Researchers in Kerala have developed a coir-based sound panelling system that offers a superior, low-cost, organic alternative to synthetic acoustic design products used in construction, architecture and engineering.
Developed by the Thiruvananthapuram-based National Coir Research & Management Institute (NCRMI) in partnership with the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), the Accoir is on display at an ongoing Kerala international expo on coir and natural fibre products which opened here Sunday.
Accoir, which comes in the form of ceiling and wall tiles, is the result of two years research to manufacture a high quality, marketable product that leverages the well known sound absorption properties of coir, a natural fibre obtained from coconut.
"Acoustic panels used for interior decoration and as sound barriers constitute a very niche market," said Kerala's Minister for Revenue and Coir Adoor Prakash.
"Introducing an organic product in this segment, especially one derived from as sustainable a material as coir, could be a very successful move commercially," the minister added.
NCRMI director K.R. Anil said the main challenge for researchers was not just to enhance the acoustic properties of coir, but overcome its natural limitations such as coarseness of texture and flammability.
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"Commercially viable acoustic panels need to be fire retardant, easy to install and clean, durable and aesthetically pleasing," he said.
"With Accoir, we have not just managed to achieve all of these but have created a product that matches and even betters the properties of the best available products globally," he added.
The leading acoustic products in the market have a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) -- a sound absorption rating -- of around 0.5 to 0.6. (NRC is measured on a scale of 0 to 1 with the latter indicating perfect absorption).
Accoir, when tested, returned values as high as 0.7 to 0.8.
NCRMI has filed for a patent and will soon look at production and marketing partners to commercially launch Accoir.
Accoir comes as a 25mm thick panelling system for the ceiling and a 40 mm wall cladding system. It is ideal for theatres, conference venues, conference halls, homes and any space that requires good sound modulation.
Although the price point of the new coir panels has not been fixed yet, it is expected to cost at par or less than the materials currently available in the market.