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Sound transmission loss through nanoclay-reinforced polymers

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Abstract

Excessive noises frequently disturb people by fatigue, reduced working efficiency and health system disorders. An efficient method to reduce noise is to find and apply sound insulation materials. Research and development on nanocomposites as a sound insulation material are quite advanced. In this study, acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS)/nanoclay nanocomposites were fabricated at 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt% of organically modified clay using a twin screw extruder. Sound transmission loss (STL) was determined by impedance tube device to evaluate the sound insulation properties of the samples. The results showed that ABS/clay (4 wt%) and (8 wt%) could improve the STL of virgin ABS by 6–20 and 4–5 dB at high (1600–6300 Hz) and low (700–1600 Hz) frequency ranges, respectively. In addition, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the nanocomposites were evaluated at various filler loadings to compare with sound insulation efficiency. Modulus of elasticity was improved in presence of nanoclay in accordance with increasing STL at low sound frequency. The surface density of samples varied slightly with increases in nanoclay content; therefore, it could not be a leading parameter to influence STL at all frequencies. State of dispersion in nanocomposites was investigated using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that a sample containing 4 wt% of nanoclay showed the best dispersion accompanied by the best soundproofing efficiency.

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Acknowledgments

This research has been funded by Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services Grant (Project No. 92-02-27-23551). Moreover, the supports received by Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute are highly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran

    Saeid Ahmadi, Parvin Nassiri & Mohamma Reza Monazzam Esmaeilpoor

  2. Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute, P.O. Box: 14965/115, Tehran, Iran

    Ismaeil Ghasemi

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  1. Saeid Ahmadi
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  2. Parvin Nassiri
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  3. Ismaeil Ghasemi
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  4. Mohamma Reza Monazzam Esmaeilpoor
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Correspondence to Parvin Nassiri.

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Ahmadi, S., Nassiri, P., Ghasemi, I. et al. Sound transmission loss through nanoclay-reinforced polymers. Iran Polym J 24, 641–649 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13726-015-0353-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13726-015-0353-0

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