PERSPECTIVES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF NATURAL PLANT FIBRES P.O.

Olesen and D.V. Plackett Plant Fibre Laboratory, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
Copenhagen, Denmark

ABSTRACT

The main characteristics of the most important plant fibres are described in terms of their microscopic
features, chemical composition, and physical properties. Basic properties of plant fibres can be related
to the properties of end products, which may in turn be divided into two main groups: 1) mats based on
plant fibres for potential use as insulation materials, filters, geotextiles and growth media, and 2)
composites for structural or non-structural purposes. The latter can include products manufactured by
hot-pressing or alternatively by processes such as extrusion or injection moulding in which the fibres act
as reinforcement (e.g., in plastics or cement). The aim of this presentation is to review basic knowledge
of plant fibre properties and to provide a general introduction to the topics that will follow in the rest of
this conference.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David_Plackett3/publication/252916893_PERSPECTIVES_ON_THE
_PERFORMANCE_OF_NATURAL_PLANT_FIBRES/links/569d4d7508ae16fdf0796cad.pdf

Acoustic characterization of natural fibers

for sound absorption applications
Highlights
•
Natural fibers are a valid option for sound absorption treatments.

•
Kenaf, wood, hemp, coconut, cork, cane, cardboard, and sheep wool are
characterized.

•
The airflow resistivity and the sound absorption coefficient are
measured.

•
Given their inhomogeneity, natural fibers often do not agree to the
Delany–Bazley model.

•
 Existing theoretical models fail in considering the inhomogeneity of
natural fibers.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013231530007X

Predicting the sound absorption of natural

materials: Best-fit inverse laws for the
acoustic impedance and the propagation
constant
Highlights
•

Natural materials are a valid option for sound absorption treatments.

An inverse method to predict the acoustical properties of nine natural fibers is

presented.

Using a least-square fit procedure, the acoustic impedance and propagation

constant laws are calculated.

The inverse method allows to determine different physical parameters of each

fiber.

The empirically derived laws allow to include natural fibers in software for
room acoustics.
Abstract
Natural materials are becoming a valid option for sound absorption treatments. In
particular, among them, natural fibers have received increasing attention given their
good thermal insulation properties, lack of harmful effects on health, and availability
in large quantities. This paper discusses an inverse method to predict the acoustical
properties of nine natural fibers. Six vegetative fibers: kenaf, wood, hemp, coconut,
straw, and cane; one animal fiber, sheep wool; recycled cardboard; and granular cork
are investigated. The absorption coefficient and the flow resistance for samples of
different thickness have been measured. Moving from the Delany-Bazley model, this
study compares the impedance tube results with the theoretically predicted ones.
Then, using a least-square fit procedure based on the Nelder-Mead method, the
coefficients that best predict both the acoustic impedance and the propagation
constant laws are calculated. The inverse approach used in this paper allows to
determine different physical parameters and to obtain formulas to include the
investigated natural fibers in software modelling for room acoustics applications.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003682X16302377

Eco-friendly insulation material production

with waste olive seeds, ground PVC and
wood chips
Highlights
Insulation materials containing waste olive seeds, ground PVC and
wood chips is proposed.

Technical properties of all samples are above the values required by the
standard.

These materials will contribute to the protection of the environment.

These wastes can be found abundantly everywhere and the proposed

insulation material can be produced economically.
Abstract
The waste of the olive oil production process has been a notably
important pollution source in Mediterranean countries, such as Italy, Spain,
Greece, and Turkey. In recent years, the environmental impact of this type of
waste created a rich source, and researchers have been focusing on the
treatment of olive oil mill waste. Furthermore, olive seed, waste PVC and
wood chips are wastes that cause significant detrimental effects on the
environment, following the production stage.
In this study, insulation materials containing waste olive seeds, ground PVC,
wood chips, plaster and epoxy were produced, and their properties were
investigated. The unit weight, water absorption rate, ultrasonicpenetration
velocity, thermal conductivity coefficient, compressive and flexure strengths
properties of the samples were determined. It can be seen from the results that
most properties have improved with the addition of the additives,
The unit weights of the samples and their thermal conductivity coefficients
decreased, thanks to olive seeds, PVC and wood chips. However, the decrease
in the unit weight was accompanied by an increase in the water absorption
and a decrease in the flexural and compressive strengths of the samples,
luckily remaining at acceptable levels for the additive rates in the samples.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710216300080

Experimental investigation of the sound

transmission of vegetated roofs
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine the phenomenological
parameters that impact the sound transmission of vegetated roofs. A reverse
indoor-to-outdoor testing method involving propagating sound from an
interior diffuse field to an exterior free field was first implemented at an
existing field site. The findings from the field work supported the development
of a purpose-built field laboratory specifically designed and commissioned as
part of this research. Transmission loss measurements were completed on 2
non-vegetated reference panels, on gradients of substrate depth (25-mm
increments), and on 2 plant communities established in 150 mm of substrate
depth. Increased transmission loss, resulting from the installation of vegetated
roof material layers on the reference roof, at the field site (wood frame
construction) and at the field laboratory (light-weight metal) generally aligned
in the low and mid frequency ranges. The increased transmission loss of the
wood frame roof was 5–13 dB in the 50–2000 Hz frequency range, and up to
8 dB above 2000 Hz. For the light-weight metal deck, the increased
transmission loss was up to 10 dB, 20 dB, and >20 dB in the low, mid, and
high frequency ranges, respectively. Field mass law, using an effective mass to
describe the composite roof deck, predicted the transmission loss of non-
vegetated reference roofs. A gradient increase in substrate depth (equated in
terms of mass) incrementally increased transmission loss, but not as predicted
by mass law. A variation in the moisture content of the substrate did not
translate to a measurable change in transmission loss. The deep roots of the
coastal meadow community contributed to an increase in transmission loss
relative to the shallow-rooted sedums community. The results of this research
confirm that vegetated roofs increase transmission loss over non-vegetated
roofs and have a beneficial application towards architectural situations
requiring high transmission loss and specifically mitigation of low frequency
noise.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003682X13000777