A novel sound absorber with recycled fibers coming from end of life tires (ELTs)

The use of material waste, coming from the fibers of fluff (a textile residue from grounded end of life tires, ELTs), in the manufacture of sound absorber products, can help to combat two different kind of problems, the disposal of this kind of waste and the noise control. This paper presents the results of a new absorber material obtained through thermal compression, using a residue that is currently used for its high calorific value. Through this process, a product with a higher added value and a lower cost has been obtained. Through testing of samples made with fluff, results for absorption coefficients and acoustic impedance have been obtained. In addition, composite samples have been tested. One of these samples is a composite made with a layer of ground tire rubber (GTR), obtained by sintering and adding another layer of fluff. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.