Investigation on Acoustic Behavior and Air Permeability of Struto Nonwovens

This work deals with the study of acoustic performance of struto nonwovens and their relation to fabric air permeability. In order to achieve the objective of the research, sound. absorption coefficient of struto nonwovens was determined via impedance tube method, the average value of sound absorption coefficient ((alpha) over bar) was calculated. Air permeability of struto nonwovens was examined by using FX3300 Textech Air Permeability Tester. Results showed that struto nonwoven exhibited good absorption ability at frequency bands 3000-6400 Hz while it was ineffective for frequency lower than 3000 Hz. Struto nonwovens with high GSM and fabric thickness showed better acoustic performance and lower air permeability. It was observed that (alpha) over bar was inversely proportional to air permeability, with correlation coefficient 0.95. It was concluded that air permeability can be used as a criterion of sound absorption behavior of struto nonwovens. A lower air permeability suggests a better sound absorption performance for struto nonwoven fabrics.