A Thermally Robust Porous Basalt Foam for Elevated-Temperature Acoustic Absorption
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65904/3083-3604.2026.02.06Keywords:
Basalt fiber foam, Elevated-temperature acoustics, Porous sound absorber, Multifunctional insulation, Thermal resistance, Flame-resistant materialsAbstract
High-temperature sound absorbers are required for thermally severe environments where acoustic attenuation must remain effective during heat exposure. Here, a porous Basalt Foam (BF) was fabricated through Tween 80-assisted fiber dispersion, sodium silicate-mediated local bonding, layer-by-layer assembly, and controlled compaction. The resulting foam combined low bulk density, high porosity, localized binder bonding, and an interconnected fibrous pore network. Direct flame exposure showed localized heating followed by rapid cooling, while the foam retained its structural integrity. SEM analysis confirmed that sodium silicate mainly formed local joints at fiber-fiber contact points without blocking the open porous framework. Acoustic testing using an impedance tube showed that sound absorption was strongly dependent on frequency, thickness, and temperature. The 25 mm BF maintained effective absorption at 100, 300, and 500 °C, while the 50 mm BF showed strong absorption at 200, 400, and 600 °C. Thicker samples provided broader and more stable absorption due to longer acoustic pathways and enhanced viscous/thermal dissipation within the tortuous fiber network. Compression testing further confirmed structural integrity, with partial recovery after large deformation. Overall, the developed BF offers a simple, lightweight, inorganic, and thermally robust porous architecture for high-temperature noise-control applications.
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