Sound absorbtion in knitted structures for interior noise reduction in automobiles

Reduction of interior noise in modern automobiles is an important issue in the automobile industry. Textiles are one solution, as they can provide passive sound absorption in upholstery, headliners and other interior parts. Nonwovens have also been used, but they have a lesser aesthetic appearance and drapability compared with woven and knitted structures, which can provide a 3D seamless fabric and have a pleasing appearance. In this paper we test the sound absorption of plain knitted fabrics and compare this with a theoretical model.