Development and analysis of kenaf core concrete for acoustical and mechanical properties

Shahrulzaman, Shazmin (2024) Development and analysis of kenaf core concrete for acoustical and mechanical properties. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Natural fibers, including kenaf core, possess significant potential as substitutes for synthetic fibers due to their high absorbency, eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and low density. Consequently, the utilization of natural fibers has garnered considerable interest among researchers, particularly in industries such as aircraft and automotive, where they are employed as reinforcements to create composite materials with superior strength properties. However, despite extensive research on natural fiber-based composites for concrete reinforcement, there have been limited studies exploring the application of kenaf core in acoustical panels.This study aimed to experimentally examine the effects of different sizes of kenaf core in the development of acoustical panels. Five sizes of kenaf core were used, namely 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 20 mesh, and 40 mesh. The kenaf core served as reinforcement, while concrete served as the matrix. The raw materials were blended according to the matrix composition of kenaf core and concrete and molded using 3D printing technology. The acoustic panels were then subjected to impedance tube testing, which focused on evaluating their performance across low, medium, and high frequency ranges. The fabrication process and testing methods adhered to the ASTM E1050-09 standard, while the mechanical strength test utilized compressive testing based on ASTM 109. The morphological features of the samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).Overall, kenaf core exhibits tremendous potential for development due to its cost-effectiveness, high performance, and biodegradability. Cement (C) performs well in compressive strength, while C5 shows a substantial 131.58 % improvement over Foam (F) at 30 mm thickness. C3 excels in flexural strength, with a remarkable 178.43 % increase over Foam. In sound absorption, C5 leads at 500 Hz, while C3 outperforms at 1500 Hz. These findings highlight kenaf core's diverse strengths for different applications.

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