Acoustic Properties of Woven/Non-woven Fabric Polymeric Composites

Acoustic properties refer to the way a material absorbs, reflects, or transmits sound waves. The acoustic properties of woven and non-woven fabric polymeric composites can vary depending on the specific type of composite and the materials used. Woven fabric composites are made by interlacing two or more layers of fabric together using a weaving process. The acoustic properties of woven fabric composites can depend on the type of fabric used and the tightness of the weave. In general, woven fabric composites tend to be more rigid and have a higher density than non-woven fabric composites, which can make them more effective at blocking or reflecting sound waves. Non-woven fabric composites, on the other hand, are made by bonding fibers together using heat, pressure, or a chemical adhesive. Non-woven fabric composites tend to be more flexible and have a lower density than woven fabric composites, which can make them more effective at absorbing sound waves. The acoustic properties of a polymeric composite can also be influenced by the type of polymer used. Some polymers, such as rubber, are naturally good at absorbing sound, while others, such as plastic, tend to be more reflective. The thickness and density of the composite can also affect its acoustic properties. Overall, the acoustic properties of woven and non-woven fabric polymeric composites can be tailored by carefully selecting the materials and construction methods used. These properties can be important in applications such as noise control in buildings and vehicles and in the design of sound-absorbing materials for use in audio and acoustics applications. In summary, woven and non-woven fabric polymeric composites have proven to be effective in sound absorption applications across different industries. Their versatility, customized design options, and superior sound absorption properties make them valuable alternatives to traditional sound-absorbing materials, contributing to improved acoustic comfort and noise control in buildings. In the different sections of this chapter, we will try to acquaint the reader with the nature of the textile fibers, fabrics of unique designs, and finally, the composites made of it as a sound absorber. Moreover, the effect of fiber size, thickness, density, porosity, tortuosity, compression, composite design, etc. on sound absorption has been reviewed.