Analysis of the effect of fiber cross section and different bonding methods on sound absorption performance of PET fiber based nonwovens using Taguchi method

In this study, sound absorption coefficients (SACs) of needle-punched and thermal-bonded nonwovens produced from polyester (PET) fibers with various cross sections, i.e., hollow, round and hexaflower, blended with a low melt PET, was reported. The acoustic performance of a hexaflower PET fiber was studied for the first time. Fibers were carded and then one set of samples was bonded by needle punching while the other set was air-through thermal bonded. A third set of samples was needled at various punch densities. Design of experiments was planned according to Taguchi method. Relationship between production parameters and SAC was analyzed using Minitab software. The most important independent variables affecting the sound absorption were areal density and web bonding method. The sample produced according to optimum production levels reached to a SAC value of 0.57 at 2000 Hz which could be a suitable choice for acoustic applications in the automotive industry.