Level enhancement of sound transmission class of fiber reinforced polyester composite by adding nanocellulose

Abstract

Innovation was needed continuously in developing sound absorption composite materials. This study aims to compare the sound transmission class of two types of glass fiber reinforced polyester composite materials. The composite matrix was polyester, mixed with styrene monomer and catalyst methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. While the reinforcement used woven roven glass fiber which has dimensions of 1.1 m x 1.2 m. Nanocellulose was added at 100 gr. The composite material manufacturing process used hand lay up techniques. Material characterizations was carried out by morphological tests using TEM and SEM, FTIR, and semi-anechoic chamber testing. Based on the results of the semi anechoic chamber testing, the addition of nanocellulose to glass fiber reinforced polyester composites has increased the Sound Transmission Class by 2 levels, from clusters 15-20 to clusters of 25-30. This composite material has the potential to develop automotive interior materials including dashboard material.