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Fungal Based Biopolymer Composites for Construction Materials

Summary

This research developed an innovative eco-friendly insulation material using mushroom growth and agricultural waste that could revolutionize sustainable construction. The material combines wheat straw waste with fungal growth to create insulation boards that perform better than traditional polystyrene foam while being completely natural and biodegradable. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based insulation materials – Helps reduce agricultural waste by repurposing wheat straw – Offers improved home insulation performance for energy savings – Creates non-toxic, naturally biodegradable building materials – Demonstrates practical applications of circular economy principles

Background

Environmental contamination, extensive exploitation of fuel sources and accessibility of natural renewable resources have created a need for developing composite biomaterials with controlled properties that can be obtained through low-cost processes and contribute to valorizing agricultural and industrial byproducts.

Objective

To develop and investigate a novel board composite including lignocellulosic substrate (wheat straws), fungal mycelium and polypropylene embedded with bacterial spores. The study aimed to assess the material’s properties and evaluate its potential for use as thermal insulation in construction applications.

Results

The bacterial spores remained viable even after heat exposure during polymer processing. No antagonism was observed between the fungus and bacteria. SEM and microscopy showed dense fungal mycelium networks covering the substrates. The biocomposite demonstrated similar compressive strength to polystyrene (70 kPa at 25% deformation) and improved thermal insulation capacity, with thermal conductivity 4-18% lower than polystyrene at various temperatures.

Conclusion

The developed fungal-based biocomposite represents a promising sustainable alternative to traditional insulation materials like polystyrene. The material is safe, inert, renewable, natural, and biodegradable while maintaining comparable mechanical properties and superior thermal insulation capabilities. The technology demonstrates a model of circular economy by optimizing resource use and valorizing agricultural byproducts.
  • Published in:Materials (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/ma14112906
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