Mycelium-based Composites Research Articles

Environmental potential of fungal insulation: a prospective life cycle assessment of mycelium-based composites

PurposeBio-based insulation materials are one of the most promising solutions for reducing the environmental impacts of building envelopes. Among these materials, the environmental benefits of mycelium-based materials have merely been investigated, despite their promising technical and thermal properties. In this paper, we perform a first prospective cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of mycelium-based composite blocks.MethodsAn attributional cradle-to-gate LCA of the laboratory production of mycelium-based composites was first performed, including 11 environmental impact indicators. Then, scenarios were defined to scale up the technology to the level of industrial production, including the remaining life cycle modules to perform a cradle-to-grave analysis. Biogenic and metabolic carbon were considered by applying the static −1/+1 approach and following the current LCA standards. Future-oriented energy and transport mixes were also included as an additional scenario, systematically modifying both the foreground and background data. Finally, the industrially scaled-up technology and alternative insulation materials were compared with these future conditions (as applied to both materials).Results and discussionConsidering climate change, the results are encouraging in comparison to those for traditional plastic insulation, but do not necessarily surpass those for other existing materials such as rock wool. However, trade-offs are observed in other indicators, for which mycelium-based composites tend to perform worse than traditional insulation materials. The industrial scale-up reduced impacts for most indicators, but a considerable trade-off was observed with regard to terrestrial ecotoxicity. The main driver for the remaining greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was found to be the electricity use during the manufacturing phase. We consider the inclusion of the other life cycle stages as relevant, as this increased the GHG emissions by 10%. Limitations of the current LCA standards, however, are noted and discussed, especially regarding the cascading use of biogenic materials, and highlight the relevance of this case study.ConclusionsMycelium-based composites show a potential for future development, but careful attention should be paid to reducing electricity needs in their manufacturing process. Further improvements could also be made by using fast-growing biogenic materials as a substrate. In particular, we encourage researchers to include all of the life cycle stages in future studies, especially if biogenic emissions are considered.

I.N.S.E.C.T. Wall Twin: Designing for and with Insects, Fungi, and Humans

This pictorial confronts the urgent need to shift design practices in response to the past and ongoing destruction of habitat structures and the resulting losses of biodiversity. To do this, it illustrates the first iteration of I.N.S.E.C.T. Wall Twin: an architectural installation that endeavours to support coexistence between local insects, fungi, and humans. The installation is an outcome of the workshop “Interspecies Exploration by Bio-Digital Manufacturing Technologies'' during the first part of the I.N.S.E.C.T. Summer Camp (Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, August 2022). The 9-day workshop brought together a group of four organisers and nine selected participants to engage with the challenges of designing for and with other living beings. Aiming to develop novel approaches to creating urban habitat structures, the workshop involved parametric design, clay 3D printing, mycelium-based composites, and freeform crocheting. We explored questions of interspecies design by prototyping objects iteratively while conversing and reflecting. Our discussion lists the insights we gained from this process of collaborative and critical making. We offer suggestions for involving a range of human and nonhuman stakeholders in design; reflect on practical and ethical questions when working with living materials; identify challenges of foregrounding nonhuman needs while dealing with technical or logistical constraints; and outline ways to approach the complexity of intervening in ecosystems. These considerations may help inform the future work of designers who want to integrate the perspectives of multiple species into their designs. As a living laboratory undergoing continual monitoring, I.N.S.E.C.T. Wall Twin provides a useful foundation for developing further iterations and a community that exceeds the duration of the camp. 
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 The first and second authors contributed equally to this work

Growing sustainable materials from filamentous fungi

The urgent need to transition to a more sustainable way of life is driving the development of natural and sustainable materials. One such example is mycelium materials, which are partially or solely composed of hyphae, the vegetative life form of filamentous fungi. Mycelium materials offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic materials like plastics and to animal leather, by minimizing waste, reducing CO2 emissions and promoting a circular economy. In their natural habitat, fungi play a vital role in maintaining balanced forest ecosystems by decomposing and recycling organic matter. From a material application perspective, the mycelium itself is now being considered as a product that can be easily generated by cultivating the fungus on renewable biomass feedstocks. Mycelium-based composites and pure mycelium materials can be produced through different fermentation techniques, including solid-state (SSF), liquid-state submerged (LSF) and liquid-state surface fermentation (LSSF). Interestingly, the properties of mycelium materials are highly tuneable by altering the growth and post-growth process parameters, the choice of fungal species and the used substrate. Although the link between the biology of a living organism and the emergent material characteristics thereof offers great opportunities for fine-tuning material properties, a current lack of understanding of the underlying scientific principles makes industrial scalability and product reproducibility a challenging step. In this article, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of mycelium materials as a novel class of biomaterials.

Three-Dimensional Printing of Living Mycelium-Based Composites: Material Compositions, Workflows, and Ways to Mitigate Contamination.

The construction industry makes a significant contribution to global CO2 emissions. Material extraction, processing, and demolition account for most of its environmental impact. As a response, there is an increasing interest in developing and implementing innovative biomaterials that support a circular economy, such as mycelium-based composites. The mycelium is the network of hyphae of fungi. Mycelium-based composites are renewable and biodegradable biomaterials obtained by ceasing mycelial growth on organic substrates, including agricultural waste. Cultivating mycelium-based composites within molds, however, is often wasteful, especially if molds are not reusable or recyclable. Shaping mycelium-based composites using 3D printing can minimize mold waste while allowing intricate forms to be fabricated. In this research, we explore the use of waste cardboard as a substrate for cultivating mycelium-based composites and the development of extrudable mixtures and workflows for 3D-printing mycelium-based components. In this paper, existing research on the use of mycelium-based material in recent 3D printing efforts was reviewed. This review is followed by the MycoPrint experiments that we conducted, and we focus on the main challenges that we faced (i.e., contamination) and the ways in which we addressed them. The results of this research demonstrate the feasibility of using waste cardboard as a substrate for cultivating mycelia and the potential for developing extrudable mixtures and workflows for 3D-printing mycelium-based components.

Development of impact-resistant mycelium-based composites (MBCs) with agricultural waste straws

This paper was intended to investigate the feasibility of developing impact-resistant mycelium-based composites (MBCs) with agricultural waste straws. Different agricultural waste straws, i.e., rice straw, wheat straw and corn straw, were applied to prepare MBCs with the inoculation of Ganoderma lucidum. The basic physical properties of MBC specimens, i.e., density, elasticity modulus and thermal conductivity, were tested and analyzed. The repeated compressive tests, as well as impact tests of MBCs under different heights, were also conducted. It was found that the thermal conductivities of all MBCs are comparable with the commercial thermal insulation material, indicating that the proposed MBCs have favorable thermal degradation and fire resistance properties. It was also found that the maximum compressive strength for rice straw and wheat straw-based MBCs can be higher than 6.4 MPa. The energy dissipation coefficient of rice straw-based MBC specimen can be higher than 90% under different impact heights, indicating that the rice straw-based MBC specimen is suitable to be applied as the impact-resistant filling material. The influence of waste straw types was also investigated and analyzed. It was concluded that the rice straw and wheat straw-based MBCs have higher compressive strength and impact-resistance than corn straw-based MBCs, which was attributed to the low degree of fermentation due to the flaky shape of corn straws.

Wood-Decaying Fungi: From Timber Degradation to Sustainable Insulating Biomaterials Production.

Addressing the impacts of climate change and global warming has become an urgent priority for the planet's well-being. In recent decades the great potential of fungal-based products with characteristics equal to, or even outperforming, classic petroleum-derived products has been acknowledged. These new materials present the added advantage of having a reduced carbon footprint, less environmental impact and contributing to the shift away from a fossil-based economy. This study focused on the production of insulation panels using fungal mycelium and lignocellulosic materials as substrates. The process was optimized, starting with the selection of Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, P. eryngii, Ganoderma carnosum and Fomitopsis pinicola isolates, followed by the evaluation of three grain spawn substrates (millet, wheat and a 1:1 mix of millet and wheat grains) for mycelium propagation, and finishing with the production of various mycelium-based composites using five wood by-products and waste materials (pine sawdust, oak shavings, tree of heaven wood chips, wheat straw and shredded beech wood). The obtained biomaterials were characterized for internal structure by X-ray micro-CT, thermal transmittance using a thermoflowmeter and moisture absorption. The results showed that using a wheat and millet 1:1 (w/w) mix is the best option for spawn production regardless of the fungal isolate. In addition, the performance of the final composites was influenced both by the fungal isolate and the substrate used, with the latter having a stronger effect on the measured properties. The study shows that the most promising sustainable insulating biomaterial was created using T. versicolor grown on wheat straw.

Mycelium-Based Composite Materials: Study of Acceptance

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are alternative biopolymers for designing sustainable furniture and other interior elements. These innovative biocomposites have many ecological advantages but present a new challenge in aesthetics and human product acceptance. Grown products, made using living mycelium and lignocellulosic substrates, are porous, have irregular surfaces and have irregular coloring. The natural origin of these types of materials and the fear of fungus can be a challenge. This research investigated the level of human acceptance of the new material. Respondents were students of architecture who can be considered as people involved in interior design and competent in the design field. Research has been performed on the authors' prototype products made from MBCs. Three complementary consumer tests were performed. The obtained results measured the human reactions and demonstrated to which extents products made of MBCs were "likeable" and their nonobvious aesthetics were acceptable to the public. The results showed that MBC materials generally had a positive or not-negative assessment. The responses after the pairwise comparison of the MBC with wall cladding samples pointed out the advantage of ceramic reference material above the MBC based on an overall assessment. The respondents also believed that the chamotte clay cladding would be easier to fit into the aesthetics of a modern interior and would in better accordance with its style. Although the MBC was less visually appealing, the respondents nevertheless found it more interesting, original, and environmentally friendly. The experiments suggested that the respondents had double standards regarding MBCs. MBCs were generally accepted as ecological, but not in their own homes. All of these results support current and future applications of MBCs for manufacturing items where enhanced aesthetics are required.

Bio-Modules: Mycelium-Based Composites Forming a Modular Interlocking System through a Computational Design towards Sustainable Architecture

In a resource-constrained world, raising awareness about the development of eco-friendly alternative materials is critical for ensuring a more sustainable future. Mycelium-based composites (MBC) and their diverse applications are gaining popularity as regenerative, biodegradable, and lightweight alternatives. This research aims to broaden the design potentials of MBC in order to construct advanced systems towards a novel material culture in architecture. The proposed design method intends to explore the design and fabrication of small-scale components of MBC to be applied in modular systems. Mycelium-based modular components are being developed to fulfill the geometrical requirements that allow for the creation of a lightweight system without additional reinforcement. The modules are linked together using an interlocking system. Through computational design and form-finding methods, various arrangements of the modules are achieved. An initial prototype of five modules is created to demonstrate the ability of the system to form various geometrical configurations as a result of the used workflow. The proposed application aims to expand the scope of the use of mycelium-based composites in modular systems and to promote architectural applications using bio-based composite materials.

Recycling of organic residues to produce insulation composites: A review

The building sector accounts for high energy consumption, and increasing the energy efficiency of buildings is considered a key measure to meet the climate goals worldwide. Even though there are various residual biomass streams available that show good thermal insulation properties, most applied thermal insulation materials are of mineral or synthetic polymer basis and non-biodegradable. To foster the application of bio-based thermal insulation materials, the aim of this study was an investigation of bio-composite- and mycelium-based boards and mats currently available or under research and their thermal insulation properties. The focus was laid on the treatment of various biomasses using fungi to enhance their application in the building sector as well as their thermal insulation properties. The different materials were compared regarding density, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, water vapour resistance, water absorption, fire performance, and mechanical properties. This work provides the basis for selecting residual biomass streams to produce case-specific thermal insulation materials. • Biomasses were highlighted for production of thermal insulation materials • Properties of insulation materials have been clarified • Possibilities to improve properties have been shown • Mycelium-based composites are particularly interesting as insulation materials

Mycostructures—growth-driven fabrication processes for architectural elements from mycelium composites

The paper discusses how characteristics of the mycelium growth process—namely different growth effectiveness depending on the nutrition content of the substrate, gradual solidification of the inoculated substrate, and bio-welding—can be a driving force for developing sustainable biofabrication processes of mycelium based composites (MBC) for architectural application. To explore this potential one-semester (12 weeks) seminar and one block seminar (2 weeks) with master-level students were held at the University of Stuttgart, and independent work within the Institute IBK2 was performed. The free experimentation with fabrication tactics resulted in the emergence of different investigation paths, tested with small-scale demonstrators, from which the most interesting three this paper presents in detail. The first is the two-phase printing process of mycelium substrate and subsidiary reusable support materials. It applied tests with the small, inorganic, loose substances (plastic pellets) extractable mechanically and meltable substances (wax) extracted by heating. The second path of investigation followed lost formworks created from hemp strings positioned inside the material. Finally, the third path is a particular case of lost formwork approach utilizing different tubular bandages stuffed with MBC and utilizing it later as a thick filament for other different form-giving deposition practices: layering, hanging, braiding, and knotting. All three investigation paths prove feasible, although their upscaling potential correlates strongly with the successful automation of the processes using CNC machines, which could provide the precision and sterility needed for this highly heterogenous and sensitive material. In addition, further developments in the material cultivation protocols are indispensable to provide a higher repetition of the results.

Mechanical, Physical, and Chemical Properties of Mycelium-Based Composites Produced from Various Lignocellulosic Residues and Fungal Species.

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are characterized as biodegradable materials derived from fungal species. These composites can be employed across a range of industrial applications that involve the manufacturing of packaging materials as well as the manufacturing of buildings, furniture, and various other household items. However, different fungal species and substrates can directly affect the functional properties of MBCs, which ultimately vary their potential to be used in many applications. In this study, the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of MBCs made from four different fungal species (Ganoderma fornicatum, Ganoderma williamsianum, Lentinus sajor-caju, and Schizophyllum commune) combined with three different types of lignocellulosic residues (sawdust, corn husk, and rice straw) were investigated. The results indicate that differences in both the type of lignocellulosic residues and the fungal species could affect the properties of the obtained MBCs. It was found that the MBCs obtained from sawdust had the highest degree of density. Moreover, MBCs obtained from S. commune with all three types of lignocellulosic residues exhibited the highest shrinkage value. The greatest degree of water absorption was observed in the MBCs obtained from rice straw, followed by those obtained from corn husk and sawdust. Additionally, the thermal degradation ability of the MBCs was observed to be within a range of 200 to 325 °C, which was in accordance with the thermal degradation ability of each type of lignocellulosic residue. The greatest degrees of compressive, flexural, impact, and tensile strength were observed in the MBCs of G. williamsianum and L. sajor-caju. The results indicate that the MBCs made from corn husk, combined with each fungal species, exhibited the highest values of flexural, impact, and tensile strength. Subsequently, an analysis of the chemical properties indicated that the pH value, nitrogen content, and organic matter content of the obtained MBCs were within the following ranges: 4.67−6.12, 1.05−1.37%, and 70.40−86.28%, respectively. The highest degree of electrical conductivity was observed in MBCs obtained from rice straw. Most of the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained MBCs were similar to those of polyimide and polystyrene foam. Therefore, these composites could be used to further develop relevant strategies that may allow manufacturers to effectively replace polyimide and polystyrene foams in the future.

Biological growth as an alternative approach to on and off-Earth construction

A critical aspect of human space exploration and eventual settlement is the ability to construct habitats while minimizing payload mass launched from Earth. To respond to this challenge, we have proposed the use of fungal bio-composites for growing extra-terrestrial structures, directly at the destination, significantly lowering the mass of structural materials transported from Earth and minimizing the need for high mass robotic operations and infrastructure preparations. Throughout human history, the construction of habitats has used biologically produced materials, from bone and skins to wood and limestone. Traditionally, the materials are used only post-mortem. Currently, the idea of working with living biological organisms, and the phenomenon of growth itself, is of increasing interest in architecture and space applications. Here, we describe the use of mycelium-based composites as an alternative, biological approach for constructing regenerative and adaptive buildings in extrem environments and extraterrestrial habitats. It is a continuation of our research program initiated under the auspices of the “Myco-architecture Off Planet” NASA NIAC Team. These composites, which are fire-resistant, and insulating, do not consist of volatile organic compounds from petrochemical products and can be used independently or in conjunction with regolith, could employ the living biological growth in a controlled environment, for the process of material fabrication, assembly, maintenance, and repair, providing structures resilient to extra-terrestrial hazards. Here we outline the potential and challenges of using bio-composites for Earth and space applications. We describe how these might be addressed to make this biological approach feasible, providing new, growing materials for designing and building sustainable habitats, both on Earth and for long-duration space missions.

Fungi in Mycelium-Based Composites: Usage and Recommendations.

Mycelium-Based Composites (MBCs) are innovative engineering materials made from lignocellulosic by-products bonded with fungal mycelium. While some performance characteristics of MBCs are inferior to those of currently used engineering materials, these composites nevertheless prove to be superior in ecological aspects. Improving the properties of MBCs may be achieved using an adequate substrate type, fungus species, and manufacturing technology. This article presents scientifically verified guiding principles for choosing a fungus species to obtain the desired effect. This aim was realized based on analyses of scientific articles concerning MBCs, mycological literature, and patent documents. Based on these analyses, over 70 fungi species used to manufacture MBC have been identified and the most commonly used combinations of fungi species-substrate-manufacturing technology are presented. The main result of this review was to demonstrate the characteristics of the fungi considered optimal in terms of the resulting engineering material properties. Thus, a list of the 11 main fungus characteristics that increase the effectiveness in the engineering material formation include: rapid hyphae growth, high virulence, dimitic or trimitic hyphal system, white rot decay type, high versatility in nutrition, high tolerance to a substrate, environmental parameters, susceptibility to readily controlled factors, easy to deactivate, saprophytic, non-mycotoxic, and capability to biosynthesize natural active substances. An additional analysis result is a list of the names of fungus species, the types of substrates used, the applications of the material produced, and the main findings reported in the scientific literature.

Hygrothermal characterization of bio-based thermal insulation made of fibres from invasive alien lake plants bounded with mycelium

The European program ‘Renovation Wave’ aims to fasten the energy retrofit of the building stock by increasing by a factor 4 the current renovation rate. Mycelium-based materials gained momentum as insulation solutions in recent years due to their 100% biological composition. However, their durability issues, particularly the risk of fast decay due to high moisture content, need to be investigated to promote a safe use in construction. Two bio-composites were set up at a lab scale, a combination of hemp shives and mycelium and a novel mixture based on the combination of mycelium binder and fibres from a lake plant, Lagarosiphon major, an alien invasive species locally available in many EU internal waters. Samples with different dimensions were used to characterize through experimental tests the thermal conductivity, water absorption (capillarity) and vapor permeability. The results show that these mycelium-based composites present both hydric and thermal properties similar to other bio-based material used in construction. The capillarity tests highlighted that hemp composites absorb more water than lake plant ones. The thermal conductivity is similar for both biocomposites, i.e., around 0.05 W/m.K, while the moisture buffer position both analysed biocomposites in “WS 3” according to the German classification DIN 18947 for water regulators.

An experimental study on production opportunities of biocomposite by using fungal mycelium

Due to the adaptability, durability, and affordability of synthetic polymers, their usage has been increasing in the global industry. These petroleum-based polymers remain intact in nature for many years after they expire and cannot be included in the natural recycling network in any way. Producing polymers using fossil resources increasingly day by day threatens existing resources and affects the circular economy negatively. Considering the various negative effects of polymers on the environment, biopolymers could be seen as a strong alternative; which is a polymer group formed by living organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Ecological, low-emission, and recyclable biopolymers open up new and a broad range of topics in the field. Composite materials created with these biopolymer materials that act as natural adhesives; have different developing areas of applications such as packaging industry, textile, furniture, and industrial design sectors, architectural designs, and structural insulation materials. Fungal mycelium, a biopolymer, consists of fibrous filaments called hyphae, which can be defined as elongated cells, mainly composed of chitin, glucan, and proteins. The ability of fungal mycelium to digest and grow through organic matter makes it possible to produce biocomposites from mycelium. Mycelium-based composites are mixed with fungal mycelium, forming an interpenetrating three-dimensional filamentous network that binds the raw material to the material, and after completing the growth period, the mycelium growth is stopped by heat, thus offering an alternating fabrication paradigm based on the growth of materials. In this study, firstly, it was tried to find the most efficient ratio among different mixing ratios by using the mycelium of the genus Pleurotus Ostreatus and the same raw materials. Afterward, it was aimed to investigate the mechanical and physical properties through experimental studies, especially the production process, of mycelium-based composites formed by mixing different raw materials in determining proportions.

Amazing Fungi for Eco-Friendly Composite Materials: A Comprehensive Review.

The continually expanding use of plastic throughout our world, along with the considerable increase in agricultural productivity, has resulted in a worrying increase in global waste and related environmental problems. The reuse and replacement of plastic with biomaterials, as well as the recycling of agricultural waste, are key components of a strategy to reduce plastic waste. Agricultural waste is characterized as lignocellulosic materials that mainly consist of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Saprobe fungi are able to convert agricultural waste into nutrients for their own growth and to facilitate the creation of mycelium-based composites (MBC) through bio-fabrication processes. Remarkably, different fungal species, substrates, and pressing and drying methods have resulted in varying chemical, mechanical, physical, and biological properties of the resulting composites that ultimately vary the functional aspects of the finished MBC. Over the last two decades, several innovative designs have produced a variety of MBC that can be applied across a range of industrial uses including in packaging and in the manufacturing of household items, furniture, and building materials that can replace foams, plastics, and wood products. Materials developed from MBC can be considered highly functional materials that offer renewable and biodegradable benefits as promising alternatives. Therefore, a better understanding of the beneficial properties of MBC is crucial for their potential applications in a variety of fields. Here, we have conducted a brief review of the current findings of relevant studies through an overview of recently published literature on MBC production and the physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological properties of these composites for use in innovative architecture, construction, and product designs. The advantages and disadvantages of various applications of mycelium-based materials (MBM) in various fields have been summarized. Finally, patent trends involving the use of MBM as a new and sustainable biomaterial have also been reviewed. The resulting knowledge can be used by researchers to develop and apply MBC in the form of eco-friendly materials in the future.

Growth and Mechanical Characterization of Mycelium-Based Composites towards Future Bioremediation and Food Production in the Material Manufacturing Cycle.

Today’s architectural and agricultural practices negatively impact the planet. Mycelium-based composites are widely researched with the aim of producing sustainable building materials by upcycling organic byproducts. To go further, this study analyzed the growth process and tested the mechanical behavior of composite materials grown from fungal species used in bioremediation. Agricultural waste containing high levels of fertilizers serves as the substrate for mycelium growth to reduce chemical dispersal in the environment. Compression and three-point bending tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the following variables on the mechanical behavior of mycelium-based materials: substrate particle size (with or without micro-particles), fungal species (Pleurotus ostreatus and Coprinus comatus), and post-growth treatment (dried, baked, compacted then dried, and compacted then baked). Overall, the density of the material positively correlated with its Young’s and elastic moduli, showing higher moduli for composites made from substrate with micro-particles and for compacted composites. Compacted then baked composites grown on the substrate with micro-particles provided the highest elastic moduli in compression and flexural testing. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insight into the selection of substrate particle size, fungal species, and post-growth treatment for various applications with a focus on material manufacturing, food production, and bioremediation.

A Study on the Sound Absorption Properties of Mycelium-Based Composites Cultivated on Waste Paper-Based Substrates.

Mycelium-based composites have the potential to replace petrochemical-based materials within architectural systems and can propose biodegradable alternatives to synthetic sound absorbing materials. Sound absorbing materials help improve acoustic comfort, which in turn benefit our health and productivity. Mycelium-based composites are novel materials that result when mycelium, the vegetative root of fungi, is grown on agricultural plant-based residues. This research presents a material study that explores how substrate variants and fabrication methods affect the sound absorption properties of mycelium-based composites grown on paper-based waste substrate materials. Samples were grown using Pleurotus ostreatus fungi species on waste cardboard, paper, and newsprint substrates of varying processing techniques. Measurements of the normal-incidence sound absorption coefficient were presented and analyzed. This paper outlines two consecutive acoustic tests: the first round of experimentation gathered broad comparative data, useful for selecting materials for sound absorption purposes. The second acoustic test built on the results of the first, collecting more specific performance data and assessing material variability. The results of this study display that cardboard-based mycelium materials perform well acoustically and structurally and could successfully be used in acoustic panels.

Exploring the Binding Capacity of Mycelium and Wood-Based Composites for Use in Construction.

Existing research on mycelium-based materials recognizes the binding capacity of fungal hyphae. Fungal hyphae digest and bond to the surface of the substrate, form entangled networks, and enhance the mechanical strength of mycelium-based composites. This investigation was driven by the results of an ongoing project, where we attempt to provide basic concepts for a broad application of a mycelium and chipped wood composite for building components. Simultaneously, we further explore the binding capacity of mycelium and chipped wood composites with a series of experiments involving different mechanical interlocking patterns. Although the matrix material was analyzed on a micro-scale, the samples were developed on a meso-scale to enhance the bonding surface. The meso-scale allows exploring the potential of the bio-based material for use in novel construction systems. The outcome of this study provides a better understanding of the material and geometrical features of mycelium-based building elements.

Development of Ultra Low-Density Fibreboard from Wood Pulp Using Plant Root System as a Reinforcing Material

The concept of Ultra Low-Density Fibreboard (ULDF) from natural fibres was originated and advanced during the past few decades due to the need for a light-weight, better insulating and buffering material that could replace the synthetic materials like Styrofoam. Recently developed mycelium-based composites were considered as excellent replacements for such synthetic materials. However, one of the drawbacks of mycelium composites were the need for providing optimum conditions for the fungal growth. The present research work explored for the first time, a more practical way of producing ultra-low-density fibreboard by reinforcing the wood fibres with plant roots. As the plant root system grows, it absorbs moisture and the water which pass through the roots by capillary action to the shoots and the water is removed from the leaves due to transpiration. This process also binds together fibrous substrate materials and a biofibre reinforced system is produced in situ, offering great opportunities for the capillary action to the shoots and the water is removed from the leaves due to transpiration. This process also binds together fibrous substrate materials and a biofibre reinforced system is produced in situ, offering great opportunities for the development of fibreboard, utilising almost zero energy for drying of the substrate. Along with that, the work also experimented on the possibilities of creating moulded products using the same method. The boards produced were of lightweight and the production process eliminated the need of hot pressing or drying, thus being highly energy efficient. Nevertheless, the time taken for drying stands out to be a drawback of the process. The study being in its infancy has lot more to improve, together with the need of detailed tests on the physical and mechanical properties of the ULDF products.