Sustainable Sound-Absorbing Nonwoven Biocomposites: Development, Characterization, and Application Potential

Abstract

Background: The persistent growth in urbanization and the consequent rise in noise pollution have driven significant interest in developing sustainable, high-performance sound-absorbing materials. Traditional acoustic absorbers often rely on synthetic polymers and fossil-derived fibres that pose environmental disposal and life-cycle challenges. Recent advances have explored natural fibres, agricultural by-products, and recycled fibres processed into nonwovens and biocomposites, showing promise for eco-efficient acoustic solutions (Koruk et al., 2021; Chen et al., 2019; Santos et al., 2021).

Objective: This research article synthesizes current understanding and advances a theoretically grounded, methodologically rigorous framework for producing and characterizing sound-absorbing nonwoven biocomposites made from natural fibres, luffa scraps, jute, polyester recycled fibres, and optimized needle-punched architectures. The aim is to present a publication-ready, integrative exposition of methods, expected results, interpretation strategies, and future research pathways, rooted exclusively in the provided literature.

Methods: Methods described encompass fibre selection and pre-treatment protocols, fibre blending strategies (natural and recycled content), nonwoven web formation (carding, airlaid, wet-laid), consolidation by needle-punching and minimal resin or bio-binder usage, and controlled density/thickness tuning. Characterization approaches include standardized laboratory measures for sound absorption coefficient, transmission loss, thermal insulation-related parameters, air permeability, compression resilience, and microstructural analysis via descriptive morphological interpretation (Koruk et al., 2021; Debnath, 2010; Sengupta, 2010). Every methodological choice is discussed in depth, including theoretical rationale and alternatives (Wilson, 2007; Mao & Russell, 2015).

Results: A rigorous descriptive synthesis projects that layered nonwoven architectures with controlled porosity, increased thickness, graded density, and hybridization with luffa fibers will produce enhanced low- to mid-frequency absorption and improved transmission loss compared with homogeneous thin nonwovens (Koruk et al., 2021; Chen et al., 2019). Recycled polyester inclusion, when judiciously blended and needle-punched, boosts mechanical resilience and dimensional stability while maintaining acoustic porosity (Sharma & Goel, 2017; Debnath, 2017). Thermal insulation and air-permeability trade-offs are extensively described, offering practical design maps for acoustic-thermal multifunctional panels (Debnath, 2010; Santos et al., 2021).

Conclusions: Natural fibre-based nonwoven biocomposites represent a compelling class of sustainable acoustic materials. Optimizing fibre/resin ratio, thickness, and fibre orientation yields strong control over absorption spectra and transmission loss. Challenges remain in standardizing manufacturing at scale, ensuring consistent raw-material supply and quality, and balancing moisture sensitivity with long-term durability. The article proposes immediate research priorities and applied pathways to commercialization, arguing that cross-disciplinary collaborations and life-cycle assessments are critical for adoption (Rapp & Wiertz, 2019; IHS Markit, 2020).