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

Summary

This research explores creating biodegradable materials from mushroom fibers and plant cellulose as an environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic materials used in face masks and other protective equipment. The scientists combined fungal threads from bracket fungi with wood and hemp fibers to create paper-like materials that could decompose naturally. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more sustainable, biodegradable face masks and protective equipment • Reduces environmental pollution from synthetic PPE materials • Demonstrates new ways to use natural mushroom and plant materials • Advances development of eco-friendly alternatives to plastics • Could help decrease waste in medical and protective equipment

Background

The use of bio-materials is driven by European regulations and people’s desire to use natural materials for a cleaner environment. There is increasing demand for natural materials in personal protective equipment (PPE) to replace synthetic polymers that are not biodegradable. Fungal hyphae and cellulose fibers present an opportunity for creating sustainable, biodegradable materials.

Objective

To prepare biodegradable composite materials from the pulp of basidiomycete Ganoderma applanatum together with cellulose fibers obtained from both wood and hemp, and investigate their mechanical and air permeability properties for potential use as a replacement for synthetic materials used in PPE.

Results

The tensile index of materials ranged from 8-60 Nm/g and air permeability ranged from 32-23,990 mL/min depending on composition. Hemp fibers provided key strength while fungal fiber additions increased air permeability. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of natural polysaccharides (cellulose and chitin). Biodegradation testing showed an 8-62% drop in C/N ratio after 30 days of composting.

Conclusion

Fungal hyphae are appropriate for materials produced by papermaking-like technologies due to their size, freeness degree and material properties. While air permeability values did not reach levels required for PPE, it could be improved by decreasing material grammage. The developed materials show potential as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials used in PPE applications.
  • Published in:Materials (Basel),
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/ma14010136
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