Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter involves the research design, research parameters/variables, research

procedures, and data analysis. This involves the quantitative processes that were used to

conduct the study.

Research Design

This experimental research study aimed to develop sound diffusing panels made

from sponge gourd fiber and polyester resin with different profiles such as flat, wedge-

shaped and concave-shaped which was mentioned by Avant Acoustic (2017) as some

effective geometrical shapes of a diffuser.

Moreover, the research was addressed by experimental approach through a

Complete Randomized Design with Replication Method. The independent variable was

the combination of sponge gourd fiber and polyester resin acoustic panel and the

frequency response graph calculated by the Room EQ Wizard software was the

dependent variable. The dependent variable was determined after placing the panels one-

by-one in a low-cost experimental setup.

The figure below shows the design that was followed by the researchers in the

determination of the input and output of the study.

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Frequency Response Graph

Flat Surface Frequency Response Graph

Frequency Response Graph

Frequency Response Graph

Sponge Gourd Fiber
with Polyester Resin Wedge-
shaped Frequency Response Graph
Diffusing Panel

Frequency Response Graph

Frequency Response Graph

Concave-
shaped Frequency Response Graph

Frequency Response Graph

Figure 6. Research Design

Research Parameters

This research used experimental specimens to gather data on the formulated

approach. Sponge gourd fiber with polyester resin in different sound profiles was

considered as the independent variable and the resulting frequency response graph of

sound produced in the experimental room was the dependent variable. The type of

polyester resin that will be used is R 10-103. The other sounds except from the sound
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produced by the speaker, the experimentation setup and the difference in handling and

making of the samples were considered as intervening variables.

Table 3.

Research Parameters

Independent Variables Dependent Variable

Sponge Gourd Fiber and Polyester Resin with

Frequency Response Graphs made
Different Sound Profiles (Flat Surface, Wedge-
using the Acoustic Panels
shaped Panels and Concave-shaped Panels).

Research Procedure

To make accurate and desirable results, the study used appropriate procedures

used in the past studies as stated in the previous chapter in order to accomplish the

experiment. The researchers were concerned and focused with making sponge gourd fiber

with polyester resin acoustic panels with different sound profiles.

Figure 7. Flat Surface Panel Figure 8. Wedge-Shaped Panel

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Figure 9. Concave-Shaped Panel

The dimensions of the panel are one square foot and as follows:

Based from E-Home Recording Studio (n. d.):

For flat surface panels: 2 inches thick

For wedge-shaped panels: 2 inches wide triangle every period, 1 inch high

For concave-shaped panels: 1.5 inches diameter and 6 holes each side

4.7 m long by 3.9 m wide by 2.5 m high

Acoustic Panel, 0° Omnidirectional

Microphone in the Loudspeakers
middle

Figure 10. Experimentation Room

This room dimensions was in lined with the software Room EQ Wizard’ standard

room sim. The room was untreated and free from acoustic material which was decided

based from the setup from the past studies. Also, the experimental procedure was based

from the study Farina, A. (n. d.) which was stated in the second chapter.
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The apparatuses/equipment that were used in the study, as well as the procedures,

were listed below:

A. List of Materials

This study used the following materials below:

Table 4. List of Materials

Materials Description
Fibers from sponge gourd mixed with polyester resin to

Sponge Gourd Fiber produce diffusing panels that can lessen the amplitude of

sound.
A binder that was commonly used to make glass

reinforced plastics products. This was considered as a

R 10-103 Polyester Resin
general purpose semi flexible polyester resin and best for

binding fibers.
To accelerate the time to harden, the study used this
IMP MEKP Hardener
chemical compound.
Dura Wax - Mold This was used for the panels’ easy removal from the

Release Wax molds.

Alkaline Solution Based from the past researchers, this solution was the

(NaOH) compound that is used commonly when treating fibers.

Absolute Distilled
Distilled water is a must in treating fibers.
Drinking Water
These were made from wood and is shaped in accordance
Wooden Moulds
with the sound profiles used in the study.

B. List of Apparatus and Equipment

This study used the following apparatus/equipment:

Table 5. List of Apparatus and Equipment

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Apparatus/Equipment Specification
Hydraulic Jack with Gauge The equipment was used to compress the sound

Pressure diffusing panels.

This wireless device in gadgets was used to produce
Loudspeakers
sound with the help of a Bluetooth application.
Andoer Professional This microphone was used to receive sound waves to

Interview Microphone – calculate the frequency response in the experimentation

Omnidirectional setup. It can be manipulated and can measure from one

Microphone direction and from all directions inside the room.

These were used to play the noise, to measure the

Cellular Phones measure the frequency of sound, to document and to

monitor every process in the study.

Laptop This was the device in which data was gathered and the

software was run in it.

Smart Sensor - Digital This device was used to measure the amplitude of

Sound Level Meter (Decibel sound coming from the speakers

Meter)
The room used in the study was 4.7 m long by 3.9 m

wide by 2.5 m high. This was untreated and based from

Experimentation Room
the standard of the software and setup from the past

studies.
C. Procedures

Preparation of Sponge Gourd Fibers. The sponge gourd fibers were gathered from

Basud and Vinzons, Camarines Norte, Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Laguna and Batangas.

The researchers aimed to gather at least six kilograms of fibers for trials and making of

specimens. To remove dirt and impurities, the fibers were washed with water and sun-
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dried for more accurate mass. Moreover, the fibres were treated by 2 % alkali solution

based from the study of Ghali, L. (2008).

Acquiring the R 10-103 Polyester Resin, Dura Wax – Mold Release Wax and IMP

MEKP Hardener. The polyester resin were purchased from Polymer Products

Incorporated at Triangulo, Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Purchasing Smart Sensor - Digital Sound Level Meter (Decibel Meter) and Andoer

Professional Interview Microphone – Omnidirectional Microphone. The devices were

bought in online stores after reviewing their specifications and properties.

Fabrication of Wooden Moulds. The moulds was made of thin flat sheet. It was done

by a manual wood carving artist in Labo, Camarines Norte.

Making of Specimens. The proportions determined in the samples were deducted by

1% to be replaced by the IMP MEKP Hardener. The R 10-103 polyester resin used was

1000 grams and 300 grams of sponge gourd fibers to bind the raw materials well. Also,

for easy removal of the panel, a releasing agent was added. The resin was combined to

the hardener. Sponge gourd fibers were prepared in a wooden mould using safety

measures (gloves and mask). The specimens were compressed using hydraulic jack with

acceptable precision. The device used in compressing was also a project study in the

institution. The pressure needed was 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) to attain the desired thickness

of the acoustic panels. In addition, from the trials made, the researchers compressed the

panels within an hour to ensure the attainment of sound profiles.

Table 6. Estimated Amount of Materials

Sound Profiles Sponge Gould Fiber Polyester Resin

Flat Surface 1.00 kg 3000 mL
Wedge-Shaped Panels 1.00 kg 3000 mL
Concave-Shaped Panels 1.00 kg 3000 mL
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Total 3.00 kg 9000 mL

Heat Curing. The hardening of the acoustic panels was made through sun and air

drying

Determining the Density of the Panels. The density of the individual panels was

determined by measuring the weight and volume of each panel.

Frequency Response Testing. The sound used was 1000 Hz that was produced by an

application and 85 dB level which was measured by a decibel meter. Following the

mentioned experimental setup earlier, the researchers tested the frequency response graph

provided by each individual panel that was placed inside the room.

A total of nine acoustic panels were tested in an untreated room in Basud, Camarines

Norte at 11:30 P. M. to 12:30 A. M.

Moreover, the specifications of the decibel meter, microphone and the loudspeakers

used in the study were shown in the appendices.

Preparation of Sponge Gourd Fibers

Acquiring the R 10-103 Polyester

Resin, Dura Wax – Mold Release Wax
and IMP MEKP Hardener
Purchasing Smart Sensor - Digital
Sound Level Meter (Decibel Meter)
and Andoer Professional Interview
Microphone – Omnidirectional
Fabrication of Wooden Moulds

Making of Specimens
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Heat Curing

Determining the Density of the Panels

Frequency Response Testing

Figure 11. Process Flow

Chart
Statistical Analysis

To answer the statement of the problem, the researchers analysed data and

information using statistical analysis.

One Sigma Analysis was for determining the precision of the densities.

One Way ANOVA was utilized to determine the significant difference of the data

using the Data Analysis Feature of Microsoft Excel.

Linear Regression Method was also used to determine the equation of the sound

reduction using the sponge gourd fibers and polyester resin with the different sound

profiles.

Endnotes

Lane, D. (n. d.). ANOVA. Retrieved from [Link]/

Ststistics How To. (2019). ANOVA Test: Definition, Types, Examples. Retrieved from

[Link]/