Acoustical natural fiber floor covering for automotive interiors
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
12-1-2006
Abstract
Consumers demand new automobiles to be quiet, comfortable with esthetically pleasing interiors preferably made from environment-friendly materials. One way to make passenger compartments free from noise is to use sound absorbing materials in auto interiors such as floor coverings, package trays, door panels and luggage compartments. Natural fibers (NF) are noise absorbing materials that are biodegradable. Floor coverings using natural fibers (kenaf, jute, waste cotton, and flax) in blends with polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) were developed as (a) air-laid needlepunched, and (b) carded needlepunched nonwovens. The acoustic properties of these floor coverings, used either alone or in combination with a soft porous cotton nonwoven underpad or a PU foam underpad were test evaluated by ASTM E 1050. The measurements demonstrated that each of the NF-based floor coverings contributed to noise reduction. The noise reduction was significantly improved with the use of either underpad. Furthermore, NF Floor coverings are aesthetically pleasing besides being noise absorbers.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
International Nonwovens Technical Conference, INTC 2006
First Page
1
Last Page
5
Recommended Citation
Parikh, D., Chen, Y., Sun, L., Sachinvala, N., & Prevost, N. (2006). Acoustical natural fiber floor covering for automotive interiors. International Nonwovens Technical Conference, INTC 2006, 1-5. Retrieved from https://repository.lsu.edu/plantsoil_pubs/204