Sound absorption properties of natural kapok fibers have been investigated. Kapok fibrous assemblies with different bulk density

thickness

fiber length and orientation were manufactured

and their acoustical performances were evaluated by using an impedance tube instrument. Results show that the kapok fiber has excellent acoustical damping performance due to its natural hollow structure

and the sound absorption coefficients of kapok fibrous assemblies are significantly affected by the bulk density

thickness and arrangement of kapok fibers but less dependent on the fiber length. Compared with assemblies of commercial glass wool and degreasing cotton fibers

the kapok fiber assemblies with the same thickness but much smaller bulk density may have the similar sound absorption coefficients. Theoretical modelling of the acoustical damping performance of kapok fibers shows a good agreement with the experimental data. All the results demonstrate that kapok fiber is a promising light and environment-friendly sound absorption material.