Sustainable sound absorption using shredded plastic particles : adjusting low-frequency acoustic performance with particle size

Železnik, Anže (author), Čurović, Luka (author), Prezelj, Jurij (author)

This study investigates the sound absorption properties of shredded recycled plastic particles, with a focus on how particle size influences low-frequency acoustic performance. Given the growing environmental challenge posed by plastic waste, this research aims to repurpose such materials into effective, sustainable sound absorbers, contributing to both noise reduction and waste minimization efforts. The sound absorption coefficients and normalized surface impedances of different size fractions, ranging from 45 μm to 3 mm, were measured using the standard two-microphone impedance tube method in accordance with ISO 10534-2. The analysis revealed that smaller particle sizes significantly enhance low- frequency absorption, though at the expense of the maximum absorption coefficient across a broader frequency range. This trade-off underscores the importance of particle size in designing materials tailored to specific acoustic applications. Results indicate that optimal sound absorption shifts towards higher frequencies for larger particle sizes, while finer particles are more effective at lower frequencies. The ability to customize the acoustic properties of shredded plastic particles by selecting appropriate particle sizes is a key outcome of this study. Microscopic examination of the particles revealed a correlation between particle morphology and acoustic performance, with irregular shapes contributing to enhanced sound energy dissipation. The findings suggest that shredded recycled plastic particles are a viable and sustainable option for creating customizable sound-absorbing materials, particularly in applications where low-frequency noise re- duction is critical. This research not only advances the understanding of acoustic performance in recycled materials but also supports broader sustainability goals by offering an innovative use for plastic waste in industrial and architectural noise control solutions. In conclusion, this study provides a foundation for the development of eco-friendly, effective sound- absorbing materials from recycled plastics, emphasizing the importance of particle size in achieving desired acoustic properties.

• Language: English
• Keywords: absorption coefficient, impedance tube, recycled materials, shredded plastic, low-frequency sound absorption
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FS - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
• Publication status: In print
• Publication date: 01.01.2025
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 12 str.
• Numbering: [Article no.]
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-167026
• UDC: 534.83
• ISSN on article: 2048-4046
• DOI: 10.1177/14613484251314934
• COBISS.SI-ID: 224899843
• Publication date in RUL: 04.02.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Journal of low frequency noise, vibration, and active control
• Shortened title: J. low freq. noise vib. act. control
• Publisher: Sage Publications
• ISSN: 2048-4046
• COBISS.SI-ID: 526419993

Licences

• License: CC BY-NC 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
• Description: A creative commons license that bans commercial use, but the users don’t have to license their derivative works on the same terms.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: koeficient absorpcije, impedančna cev, reciklirani materiali, mleta plastika, nizkofrekvenčna absorpcija zvoka

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: P2-0401-2022
• Name: Energetsko strojništvo