Abstract
Reducing the use of non-renewable resources is a key strategy of a circular economy. Mycelium-based foams and sandwich composites are an emerging category of biocomposites relying on the valorization of lignocellulosic wastes and the natural growth of the living fungal organism. While growing, the fungus cements the substrate, which is partially replaced by the tenacious biomass of the fungus itself. The final product can be shaped to produce insulating panels, packaging materials, bricks or new-design objects. Only a few pioneer companies in the world retain a significant know-how, as well as the ability to provide the material characterization. Moreover, several technical details are not revealed due to industrial secrecy. According to the available literature, mycelium-based biocomposites show low density and good insulation properties, both related to acoustic and thermal aspects. Mechanical properties are apparently inferior in comparison to expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is the major synthetic competitor. Nevertheless, mycelium-based composites can display an enormous variability on the basis of: fungal species and strain; substrate composition and structure; and incubation conditions. The aim of the present review is to summarize technical aspects and properties of mycelium-based biocomposites focusing on both actual applications and future perspectives.
Highlights
Due to the increasing demand for “green” materials and productive processes, extensive literature has been developed about the so-called biocomposite and bio-based materials
The aim of the present review is to summarize technical aspects and properties of mycelium-based biocomposites focusing on both actual applications and future perspectives
Sandwich composites are characterized by a scaffolded structure where the external layers are jointed due to the gluing action of the mycelium growing in the core material
Summary
Due to the increasing demand for “green” materials and productive processes, extensive literature has been developed about the so-called biocomposite and bio-based materials. Such terms basically aim to highlight the derivation of the raw materials from biological sources, the intervention of a further biological activity by living organisms is not excluded in the transformation process of the materials themselves. Far from being a univocal definition, biocomposites have been referred to by Dicker et al (2014) [1] as composite materials, where a bio-polymer or bio-derived polymer is reinforced by natural fibers. STuhmismwaorirzkectahne baveauilsaebfluel ktonodwirleecdtgfeuptuerretarinesineagrctoh the physical, mechanical and thermodynamic characterization of mycelium-based biocomposites with regard to the actual and potential applications. Sustainability 2019, 11, 281 activities to obtain new materials that can be used for increasingly diversified applications, in packaging, building insulation and interior design
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