Optimization of Acoustic Properties of Polyurethane via the Integration of Microcellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB)
Keywords:
OPEFB, FTIR, TGA, XRD, Microcellulose, Polyurethane, Sound AbsorberAbstract
This study analyzes the characteristics of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) material using various methods, including FTIR, TGA, and XRD, and evaluates the effect of adding OPEFB microcellulose on the acoustic properties of polyurethane. FTIR analysis results indicate significant changes in the chemical composition of OPEFB during the delignification and bleaching process, with lignin degradation marked by a decrease in peak intensity within the 1300-1450 cm⁻¹ range. TGA analysis reveals three main stages of thermal degradation, with the most significant mass reduction occurring in the temperature range of 181-384°C, indicating cellulose and hemicellulose degradation. Meanwhile, XRD analysis shows an increase in cellulose crystallinity after delignification and bleaching. In the sound absorber testing, the addition of microcellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) in polyurethane showed an increase in the sound absorption coefficient, particularly at mid-to-high frequencies. Materials with 3% cellulose exhibited a significant improvement in sound absorption compared to materials without cellulose. The addition of 10% cellulose resulted in moderate improvement, while 20% cellulose showed peak absorption at specific frequencies but experienced reduced efficiency at higher frequencies. These findings suggest that OPEFB microcellulose has potential as a filler material in polyurethane to enhance its acoustic properties. Noise pollution has become a significant environmental concern, particularly in urban and industrial settings, where excessive noise levels can have detrimental effects on human health. Traditional sound-absorbing materials, including synthetic fibers and foams, are effective but often come with environmental and health risks. This study explores the potential of natural fibers, specifically microcellulose derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB), as a sustainable alternative for improving the acoustic properties of polyurethane-based materials. While natural fibers have been widely studied for their mechanical and thermal properties, their use in acoustic applications, particularly through nanocellulose incorporation, remains underexplored. This research aims to address this gap by evaluating the performance of OPEFB-derived microcellulose in enhancing sound absorption in polyurethane composites.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muchlisinalahuddin, Hendery Dahlan, Melbi Mahardika, Meifal Rusli (Author)
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