HEAR ME, HEAR ME NOT: Engineering an Organic Soundproofing Material from Banana Peels, Corn Husks and Rice Husks

Grade:

9

Teacher:

Raymund Endriga

This study investigates the development of sustainable cost-effective soundproofing panels using organic waste to address noise pollution. Synthetic panels are often expensive and non-biodegradable, causing potential increase in environmental risks. The experimental panels were engineered from banana peels, corn husks, and rice husks. The main goal of the project was to determine if these organic composites could outstand the styrofoam control in reducing sound transmission. Using a controlled methodology, the experimental panels were tested using a test box with a sound source. An audio sensor was placed directly above the panel to detect and monitor decibels for 60 seconds. The testing ran through 250Hz, 500 Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz and 4000Hz for both organic panels and the control panel. The results for this project indicated a consistent trend. All panels, including the control, have shown a decrease in average decibel as the frequency increased. However, data indicated that the organic panels, both panel 1 and panel 2, performed better in absorbing the sound frequencies as compared to the styrofoam control. Notably, panel 1 demonstrated the most significant reduction in noise. Overall, the mixture of banana peel, corn husk and rice husk show a promising response as an organic soundproofing material. This goes to show that agricultural waste can serve as a highly effective, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insulation.

Project presentation