Sound Absorption Properties of Natural Sago Leaf Fibers (Gaba-Gaba)

Abstract

This study aims to determine the characterization of the sound absorption coefficient of sago leaf stalk acoustic material (Gaba-Gaba) with thickness variations of 2 cm and 3 cm. Two-microphone impedance tube method (ISO 10534-2 and ASTM E1050-08). Materials made from natural Gaba-Gaba fibers are made with different thicknesses, namely 2 cm and 3 cm. The frequency range used in this test is 100-1000 Hz. The results of the sound absorption coefficient (α) for all samples meet the requirements, where the requirement as a sound/noise dampening material is a maximum α value above 0.15 (ISO 11654). The sound absorption coefficient of natural Gaba-Gaba fiber in a 3 cm thick sample is 0.34 at a frequency of 1000 Hz. Meanwhile, a sample with a thickness of 2 cm has the highest sound absorption coefficient at a frequency of 400 Hz with a value of 0.30. Gaba-Gaba natural fiber with a thickness of 3 cm is very suitable for use in audio rooms because it has a fairly high sound absorption coefficient at a frequency of 1000 Hz. This conclusion is interesting considering that Gaba-Gaba is a material made from natural fibers, which makes it organic, renewable, and environmentally friendly. This is certainly interesting amidst increasing attention to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of construction materials.