Optimization of structural parameters for the sound absorption performance of a cellular ceramic foam

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an optimization schedule of structural parameters for the sound absorption performance of a cellular ceramic foam in the sound frequency range of 200–4,000 Hz.Design/methodology/approachThe cellular ceramic foam with porosity of about 60–75% and the pore size of about 1–7 mm was successfully prepared by using natural zeolite powder as the main raw material. For this ceramic foam, the sound absorption performance was measured, and the absorption structure was optimized by some important structural parameters. With orthogonal experiment, optimization of structural parameters was found for absorption performance. By means of the range analysis method, the main factor is known to influence the performance of ceramic foam.FindingsThe present ceramic foam may have good absorption performance although at relatively low frequencies of 400–4,000 Hz while structural parameters of sample are appropriately combined. With orthogonal experiment, optimization of structural parameters for the absorption performance was found to be as follows: sample thickness, 25 mm; porosity, 73.5%; pore size, 4–5 mm and air gap depth, 20 mm. To influence the performance, sample thickness is the main factor, air gap depth is the second and both of pore size and porosity would have a relatively slight effect.Originality/valueThis paper presents a method to optimize the structural parameters of a cellular ceramic foam for sound absorption performance by means of orthogonal experiment.