Acoustical properties of panels made from residues of giant reed

Traditionally, vegetal fibers have been used in construction as isolating material, however, in the last century they were replaced with new materials which manufacture processes have higher energy consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical and acoustical properties of panels made from residues of giant reed. This paper was focused in the evaluation of the sound absorption of the particleboards and to apply them in construction. The materials were obtained from giant reed residues and urea formaldehyde as adhesive. Panels were made using three different particle sizes and its influence was analyzed. In order to determine the sound absorption coefficient, panels were tested in frequencies that ranged from 50 to 6300 Hz. The results showed that the panels had a medium sound absorption coefficient in low and in high frequencies, depending vastly on the particle size. Panels made of particles from 2 to 4 mm could be classified as D type (EN ISO 11654), and the ones made of particles from 0.25 to 1 mm had the higher sound transmission loss. In contrast to the acoustical properties, the smaller the particle used, the better mechanical properties the particleboards had. The results showed that this material could be an interesting acoustic isolator material in commercial uses.