Comparing the acoustic performance of organic and inorganic micro-perforated panels in a meeting room

The growing demand for sustainable acoustic solutions has led to the exploration of alternative materials that balance environmental sustainability with acoustic performance in interior environments. Previous studies in architectural acoustics have revealed a lack of sustainable material property comparisons in meeting room settings. This study compares the acoustic performance of organic polylactic acid (PLA)-based and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-felt micro-perforated panels (MPPs) in controlling reverberation time (T60) within meeting room settings. The PLA-based MPP was 3D printed, while CNC tools were utilized to manufacture the PET-felt panel, considering the parameters of perforation ratio, perforation diameter, panel thickness, and cavity depth. Their acoustic properties were assessed using the impedance tube measurement method and predictive simulations with Odeon Acoustics Software, following ISO 10534-2 (2023) and ISO 3382-2 (2008) standards. The findings indicated that PLA-based MPPs offer higher absorption in mid-to-high frequencies due to their rigid structure, whereas PET-felt MPPs exhibit wider broadband absorption, particularly in the low-to-mid frequency range, attributed to their fibrous composition. The study suggests that material composition significantly affects the absorption behavior of MPPs, with PET-felt providing a more balanced absorption across frequencies which provides a suitable alternative for spaces requiring low-frequency control.