Mechanical and Air Permeability Performance of Novel Biobased Materials from Fungal Hyphae and Cellulose Fibers.

Inese Filipova,Inga Dāboliņa,Martins Spade,Marite Skute,Ilze Baltiņa,Ilze Irbe,Linda Vecbiskena

doi:10.3390/ma14010136

Inese Filipova, Inga Dāboliņa + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14010136

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Abstract

Novel biobased materials from fungal hyphae and cellulose fibers have been proposed to address the increasing demand for natural materials in personal protective equipment (PPE). Materials containing commercially available kraft fibers (KF), laboratory-made highly fibrillated hemp fibers (HF) and fungal fibers (FF) obtained from fruiting bodies of lignicolous basidiomycetes growing in nature were prepared using paper production techniques and evaluated for their mechanical and air permeability properties. SEM and microscopy revealed the network structure of materials. The tensile index of materials was in the range of 8–60 Nm/g and air permeability ranged from 32–23,990 mL/min, depending on the composition of materials. HF was the key component for strength; however, the addition of FF to compositions resulted in higher air permeability. Chemical composition analysis (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) revealed the presence of natural polysaccharides, mainly cellulose and chitin, as well as the appropriate elemental distribution of components C, H and N. Biodegradation potential was proven by a 30-day-long composting in substrate, which resulted in an 8–62% drop in the C/N ratio. Conclusions were drawn about the appropriateness of fungal hyphae for use in papermaking-like technologies together with cellulose fibers. Developed materials can be considered as an alternative to synthetic melt and spun-blown materials for PPE.

Highlights

The use of bio-materials is driven by European regulations, and by people’s desire to use natural materials and to live in a cleaner environment
Via the freeness number of 91.5 ◦ SR for hemp fibers (HF), that the properties of the cellulose fiber were affected by mechanical treatment after production
The width of fungus fibers (FF) measured using microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was 3–6 μm; the length was not possible to measure precisely, because FF appeared as aggregates of hyphae not as individual units

Summary

Introduction

The use of bio-materials is driven by European regulations, and by people’s desire to use natural materials and to live in a cleaner environment. The current pandemic caused demand for disposable face cover items mostly made of synthetic polymers, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters, polyamines, polycarbonates and polyphenylene oxide [3]. These materials are not biodegradable and can cause increased pollution to the environment due to improper waste management [4]; they have to be replaced with more sustainable materials. A medical face mask is a medical device ( used as PPE and/or collective protective equipment) that covers the mouth and nose, providing a barrier to reduce the direct spread of infectious microorganisms between medical staff and patients. Medical face masks usually consist of a layer of filter placed, sewn, glued, or pressed between outer layers

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