Banana (Musa balbisiana) Trunk as Sound Absorbent and Thermal Insulator Ceiling

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, much importance is given to the acoustical environment. The use and development of materials with sound-absorbing qualities has been spurred by increasing demand for quiet buildings. This study aims to produce an alternative sound-absorbent and thermal insulator ceiling out of banana trunks that would promote fuller sound and could insulate room temperature. This study also explores the possible use of banana trunks to decrease the garbage production caused by this untapped natural material. More specifically, this research aims to know if there is a relationship between the thickness of the ceiling and its sound absorption and thermal insulator capacity.

METHODS

This research used experimental design to determine the sound absorption and thermal insulation capacity of the ceilings. In order to test these, two set-ups were made, each has a ceiling with a thickness of 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm. The first set-up has ten trials to obtain sound absorption capacity. With the use of sound meter application and a demo box, the sound level in terms of decibel (dB) was measured. While the second set-up was composed of three trials of measuring the thermal insulation capacity in terms of degree Celsius (°C) using a microwave oven, demo box, and thermometer. Each ceiling was individually subjected to equal sound waves and heat level.

RESULTS

Using Pearson r to determine the correlation between the variables, results showed that the relationship between the independent variable which is the thickness of the ceiling and the dependent variables which are the thermal insulation and sound absorption capacity have a very high negative relationship. The calculated r-values are -0.993399 and -0.99442 for the thermal insulation and sound absorption capacity, respectively. This result indicates that the thicker the ceiling, the lower the sound and heat level, therefore, the higher the sound absorption and thermal insulation capacity of the ceiling.

DISCUSSIONS

The use of more scientific testing procedures is recommended in product testing to acquire data that are more precise. Moreover, the researchers recommend the use of natural fibers, other than banana trunks, which are abundant in the locale of future studies. It is also advisable to try different adhesive materials, which are more effective as a binding agent for product making.