An approach utilizing varied sugarcane bagasse densities as biobased acoustic panels for educational institutions
List of Authors
  • Shafiella Akiera Shafiee, Siti Nurulhuda Mohd Imran, Zaizatul Zafflina Mohd Zaki

Keyword
  • Noise Pollution, Sugarcane Bagasse, Sound Absorption Coefficient, Sustainable Materials

Abstract
  • This study investigates the utilization of sugarcane bagasse as a sustainable solution for noise absorption in educational environments, addressing environmental challenges posed by agricultural waste in Malaysia. Noise pollution is a growing threat to human health, with negative effects on physiological and psychological health, such as neurodegenerative and heart disease, tinnitus, hypertension, and sleep disturbance. Exposure to noise in a controlled environment leads to increased stress. Further, the effects of noise are serious, particularly its effects on blood pressure and hypertension. The current literature on noise absorption primarily revolves around synthetic materials, with limited exploration into sustainable alternatives. While natural fibers have gained attention, the specific potential of sugarcane bagasse in noise absorption within institutional settings remains an underexplored avenue.The objectives include assessing noise impacts on academic environments, developing sugarcane bagasse panels, and evaluating their effectiveness in mitigating noise levels. Methodologically, ambient noise levels were measured across multiple locations at UiTM Shah Alam's School of Engineering using calibrated sound level meters. A survey assessed students' perceptions of noise pollution and its impact on academic performance. Sugarcane bagasse panels were developed at predetermined densities of 0.025 g/cm³, 0.050 g/cm³, and 0.075 g/cm³.The selection of these densities aimed to explore variations in sound absorption capabilities and structural integrity and their acoustic properties were evaluated using standard methods. Findings indicate significant noise exceedances in critical areas like laboratories and classrooms, emphasising the need for effective noise management strategies. Students identified noise as a major disruptor to concentration and learning, underscoring the panels' potential to enhance acoustic comfort. Higher density panels demonstrated superior noise reduction capabilities, achieving up to 30.6 dB reduction and a sound absorption coefficient of 0.33. The study concludes that sugarcane bagasse panels offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials for noise control in educational settings, contributing to environmental sustainability and acoustic comfort. Sugarcane bagasse could emerge as a viable and efficient option, providing a sustainable alternative without compromising on performance.

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