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"The Possible Use of NaOH Treated Bamboo By-Product as an Acoustical Material"

Gretel Adrianne Umali

Jeshka Rhod B. Tavas

Advance Design (Bamboo Architecture) Research Paper

Dr./Ar. Jocelyn A. Rivera Lutap

College of Architecture and Fine Arts

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

February 2017
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Abstract:

I. Chapter I: Introduction
a. Background of the Study

Sound is a relative part of human life. A loud, screeching noise can

more likely affect the psychological aspect of an individual more that it’s
physiological side. This is proven by how an individual’s mood or general
perception can be affected by the type of music he or she is listening to. This
occurs through the brainwave’s synchronization and resonance to tempo of
the song or music, eventually transmitting this to the heart, which then
affects the person’s heart rate and breathing pattern.
(http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/17143/1/How-Does-Music-Affect-
the-Brain.html)
In addition, the human brain is wired to resonate with the ‘sound’ it’s
environment is emitting from the start. HeartMath’s Rollin McCraty explains
in an interview how the Schumann Resonance, otherwise known as the
‘Earth Heartbeat’ has since been influencing the human body, both mentally
and physically. Proving how by beingin tuned with nature could help
quicken the recovery of a patient in the hospital. (soure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e03-fLCe9R8)
Barry Blesser in his book, Spaces Speak, constitute the importance of
‘sound’ in the environment and it’s architectural application by providing
various circumstances on how a poorly designed man made environment
could defeat the purpose of its architectural function. Going further as to say
that despite the visual aspect of space is important, the eyes have lids to
cover them while the ears are susceptible to hearing sounds everyday.
This leads to the research’s development by how the by-product of a
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) treated bamboo can possibly be used as an
acoustical material. Further research upon the possibility of more acoustical
treatments may provide more options for designers and architects to
consider the “space of sound’, as defined by Dr. Blesser, in their planning
procedures.

b. Statement of the Problem

To be certain as to the possible use of NaOH Treated Bamboo By-Product as an

Acoustical Material and answer the given hypothesis.
1. Will the by-product of an NaOH treated bamboo be effective as an
acoustical material/ treatment/ finishing?
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H1: The by-product of an NaOH treated bamboo will be effective as an

acoustical material/ treatment/ finishing.

H0: The by-product of an NaOH treated bamboo will not be effective as an

acoustical material/ treatment/ finishing.

c. Significance of the Study

d. Scope and Limitations of the Study

As mentioned in the statement of the problem, the research will
revolve around the possible use of a treated bamboo by product as an
acoustical treatment, material or finishing. Further advantages of the
product, if any, will be discussed but not further studied. The research solely
aims to answer it main problem and hypothesis.
e. Definition of Terms
Sound Absorption Coefficient- the fraction of sound energy absorbed by a material. It
is expressed as a value between 1.0, perfect absorption (no reflection) and 0, zero
absorption (total reflection). The value varies with frequency and angle of incidence,
determined experimentally

II. Review of Related Studies

Studies have shown on how

III. Methods and Procedures

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a. Method of Research
Measurement of sound absorbing ability of bamboos treated with NaOH with varied
days of treatments through Sound Testing
Since subsequent researches tackles about characteristics of bamboo fibers soaked
in NaOH solution through its mechanical properties, and a research which states as
bamboo fibers as a good acoustic material, the research will focus on the sound
testing of bamboo panel models on sound with different sets as A (1- day soaking), B
(2- day soaking), C (3- days soaking), D (4 days soaking) and E (5 days soaking) and
compare each sets based on sound testing.
Paradigm

b. Subjects of the Study

NaOH- Treated Bamboo
c. Description of Research Instrument Used
NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)- Caustic soda, is an alkali and is one of the common
treatments for bamboo fibers to remove excessive lignin wax and oils. The
treatment has two effects such as increasing the roughness over the outer surface
but in turn increases the mechanical interlocking and second being able to increase
the amount of cellular exposure of the fiber surface.
Kawayang Tinik (Bambusa Blumeana)- a common specie of bamboo in the
Philippines which was originated in Indonesia, used in furniture and construction
d. Data Gathering Procedure
1. Alkali Treatment of the Bamboo Used
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Freshly cut “Kawayang Tinik” was used for the research soaked in 10% NaOH
Solution (2tbsp, 30grams of NaOH in 70ml distilled water) in one liter of water. The
bamboo poles were cut into sticks measuring approximately 15 centimeters with a
maximum thickness of 0.3 milimeters.

2. Drying of Bamboo Sticks

Five sets of experiment was done to determine the effect of bamboo to sound by
means of segregating sticks treated for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days. The
sticks were sundried to dry the solution applied on the bamboo.

The figures above are the dried bamboos soaked with NaOH with varying
days. It can be observed that due to the NaOH treatment, “pagbubuko” or results to
more fibers produced the more time it is soaked with NaOH.

3. Prototype for Sound Testing

The 8m x 12m 1:50 scaled model was made to install the bamboo sticks for the 5
sets of experiment.
4. Sound Testing of Bamboo
Sound testing of the prototype was done by placing a source of sound of 900 Hz
outside the prototype. At the same time, a decibel meter was placed inside the
prototype in measuring the sound received inside the prototype.
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Statistical Treatment Applied