Sustainable acoustic materials from plant-based and aquatic biomass: a review

Abstract

This literature review focuses on the potential of land and aquatic plants to improve acoustic comfort in indoor environments as a substitute for synthetic materials. Plant-based acoustic materials could be used to improve acoustic parameters for environments like offices and educational buildings, where acoustic comfort is crucial for concentration, productivity, and overall well-being. High reverberation time in these settings can cause stress, reduce cognitive performance, and increase general discomfort. Terrestrial and aquatic plant-based have drawn a lot of interest as materials that are sustainable solution to this problem. This review examines the potential of both land-grown plant fibres (e.g., kapok, hemp, flax) and aquatic biomass (reeds, cattails, algae) for sound absorption applications. Compared to terrestrial plant fibres, aquatic biomass has the advantage of reducing eutrophication ecological risk in water bodies. Various properties that affect the sound-absorbing capabilities of the materials are discussed. Overall, using plantbased and aquatic biomass fibres for sustainable acoustic materials provides environmental benefits, but highlights the need for design strategies to maximize their application in buildings.