The Effects of Wood Material Selection on Sound Absorption Performance in Industrial Noise Insulation

This study investigates the sound insulation performance of various wood-based materials used to mitigate industrial noise generated by an air compressor in a furniture workshop. LAeq measurements were conducted at eight different locations within the facility, including classrooms, faculty offices, corridors, and near the noise source. Fourteen wood-based scenarios involving solid wood and engineered panels of varying thicknesses were tested. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences in noise reduction across scenarios (p < 0.05), and Dunn’s post-hoc test identified the most effective materials. Hierarchical clustering grouped scenarios into five clusters, enabling systematic comparison of similar acoustic performances. Among all tested materials, 6 mm MDF-laminate demonstrated the highest cumulative noise reduction (17.23 %), outperforming even thicker materials like 18 mm MDF. Notably, certain materials were found to contribute to elevated noise levels in proximity to the compressor, which may be attributed to their inherent acoustic reflectivity and vibrational response characteristics, rather than their capacity for sound absorption. Correlation analysis further revealed that sound reduction effectiveness varied across spatial contexts, with positive correlations decreasing and negative ones increasing after insulation, indicating heterogeneous acoustic effects. In conclusion, thinner MDF-laminate panels offer effective, space-efficient, and economical solutions for industrial noise control. These findings underscore the importance of material selection and spatial analysis in assessing acoustic performance and suggest promising directions for sustainable soundproofing applications in industrial environments.