Reduction in environmental noise by a novel nanocomposite, containing cellulose, polyvinyl acetate, and aluminum oxide nanoparticles

The aim was to evaluate sound adsorption coefficient, sound transmission loss, mechanical properties, and physical characteristics of a novel nanocomposite, containing cellulose fiber (CF), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and aluminum oxide nanoparticles (AO NPs). To prepare CF/PVA/AO NP nanocomposites, 100 g CF and 200 g PVA were hardly mixed, and then, AO NP at different contents was added, including 1–4%. The sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss were measured by acoustic tube at four frequencies, including 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. In the next step, density and water absorption were measured. Also, Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and strain to failure were recorded by extensometer. This study showed that the increase in AO NPs led to increase in sound adsorption coefficient, water adsorption, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and fracture strain. Moreover, the increase in AO NPs led to decrease in sound transmission loss and density. The authors propose that CF/PVA/AO NPs (4%) nanocomposite is suitable to reduce noise from environment at frequency of 250–2000 Hz.