Maun Terra: Coconut Coir and Banana Pseudo-Stem Noise Reduction Wall Panel

Abstract

Sound is everywhere; it is part of everyday life, but excessive sound can turn into loud noise that creates noise pollution. Noise pollution is an environmental problem that harmfully affects human beings due to too much noise. The European Environment Agency (2020) stated that 48,000 new cases of acute heart disease and 12,000 early deaths happen each year because of noise pollution. This research aims to create a prototype called “Maun Terra” that reduces noise that causes environmental noise pollution. The objective of the study is to develop noise-reduction wall panels using natural resources made of fibers like banana pseudo-stem and coconut coir. The focus of the study is to distinguish the decibels of noise that Maun Terra can lessen. The prototype’s length is 11.5 inches, 11 inches in width, and 9 inches in height. The test results for the decibels with and without Maun Terra and from inside and outside of Maun Terra showed good results. The testing was conducted in an open space that is noise pollution-free. The prototype is placed 1 meter away from the 1150 Hz. The testing result of the mean without Maun Terra was 60.81 dB, 51.11 dB with Maun Terra, 51.11 dB coming from the inside, and 50.17 dB coming from the outside. The outcome showed that there is a 13.792 difference in the noise decibels between with and without Maun Terra. Thus, there is a significant difference in the decibels between without Maun Terra and the decibels with Maun Terra. Along with that, the difference in the decibels between the inside and outside of Maun Terra was 1.648. Thus, there is no significant difference in the decibels between the inside and the decibels from the outside of Maun Terra. To sum it up, it is proven that “Maun Terra: Coconut Coir and Banana Pseudo-Stem Noise Reduction Wall Panel” is a cheaper and eco-friendly alternative solution for environmental noise pollution. For the recommendation, the researchers had a hard time perfecting the shape, so the researchers suggested using a silicon molder for a more perfect and precise shape. The researchers suggest that future researchers find another alternative method to dry the prototype faster. The researchers also recommend finding alternative shapes that can be effective noise-reduction wall panels. Furthermore, the researchers recommend that future researchers improve the aesthetics of the prototype.