Valorization of hogla leaves (Typha elephantina) into functional acoustic materials: A high-value utilization pathway for wetland biomass

초록

Large volumes of wetland biomass remain underutilized despite their potential for value-added applications. Hogla leaves (Typha elephantina) are a fast-growing plant that thrives in wetlands and is commonly found in South Asia. They are usually used in low-value traditional products or discarded after they are picked. This research explores a high-value utilization pathway for hogla leaves by converting them into bio-based sound-absorbing materials for indoor applications. Two-microphone impedance tube testing and noise reduction coefficient (NRC) analysis were employed to evaluate the acoustic performance of samples with varying thicknesses (1–5 cm) and air-backed cavity configurations. The sound absorption coefficient for cross-sectional samples (4 cm thick) was 0.96 at 1000 Hz, 0.86 on average in the 1000–2000 Hz range, and a tube-based NRC estimate of 0.64. Statistical analysis verified significantly higher absorption for cross-sectional samples (p < 0.05). The results indicate that the naturally porous and fibrous structure of hogla leaves enables effective mid-frequency sound absorption without the need for chemical treatment. This study presents an energy-efficient, binder-free valorization approach for transforming underutilized wetland biomass into functional materials, thereby promoting sustainable bioresource utilization and diminishing dependence on synthetic acoustic products. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd

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