Specialists from the Acoustics and Lighting Laboratory (LAL), dependent on the Scientific Research Commission (CIC), are studying the acoustic properties of disposable sheep’s wool for use as insulating panels on walls in houses, offices, buildings and auditoriums. Until now, the material was discarded by livestock because it has no textile use because it is thick and rustic. For now, the reviews focus on seeing how the product absorbs sound depending on the thickness and density with which it is made. In addition, scientists are bound by international standards that will validate results globally. In this way, a waste that had no value could replace what is currently used to fulfill this task.
“It is a wool that agricultural producers who raise sheep to take advantage of their meat discard. Although they don’t use it for textile purposes, they still need to be sheared for the sake of animal welfare and safety. Sometimes it is even more expensive to shear it than what they can get in exchange for the material. Then often throw away, burn or use as fertilizer for the land”, points Nilda Vechiattilaboratory scientist.
In reality, of the work team point out that it is not a material that insulates, but absorbs sound. However, in practical terms, it is an ecological and value-added alternative to glass wool and rock wool used to reduce sound propagation between different rooms.
In this regard, the secret of the material is in the fibers it has and in the air that separates them. Basically, when a sound passes through the air and reaches the fiber, it transforms the sound energy into thermal energy. Using a CIC bag, the team began testing using two methods where they compare the level of absorption according to the thickness and density of the wool.
For now, panels are being designed that could be used in call center offices or in integrated workspaces with small divisions between each station. They also analyze its properties to insert it between plasterboards for dry construction and place it in mezzanines. All the tests carried out by the Laboratory follow international standards and the results can be compared with other analyzes carried out abroad.
This study is part of a larger program called coat which, in addition to studying wool as a sound absorber, uses it as a thermal insulator for walls and ceilings, and as an alternative for packaging that protects and maintains temperature.
As they point out on their website, this is about a project with a socio-environmental impact based on the circular economy that promotes social inclusion and family farmingreduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves biodiversity and generates a new value chain with regional development.
In the province of Buenos Aires alone, 97% of discarded wool belongs to more than 20,000 small units. According to data from the National Health and Agrifood Quality Service (Senasa), 3.8 million kilos of “disposable” sheep wool are generated annually.