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Development and Characterization of Mycelium-Based Composite Using Agro-Industrial Waste and Ganoderma lucidum as Insulating Material

Summary

Researchers developed an eco-friendly insulation material using mushroom mycelium (Ganoderma lucidum) combined with waste plant materials from Colombia: Arboloco pith and grass clippings. The resulting material is lightweight, thermally efficient, and comparable to commercial insulators like expanded polystyrene. However, the material shrinks significantly and absorbs water when exposed to moisture, so additional treatments are needed before it can be widely used in buildings.

Background

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insulation materials. This study utilizes fungal mycelium as a natural binder for agro-industrial residues, addressing the need for sustainable building materials that minimize environmental impact while managing regional waste.

Objective

To develop and characterize mycelium-based composites using Ganoderma lucidum with two Colombian agro-industrial wastes: Arboloco pith and Kikuyu grass. The study evaluated three formulations with different particle size ranges for their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties.

Results

Formulation F2 (30% Arboloco/70% Kikuyu grass) demonstrated superior properties with density of 60.4 kg/m³, thermal conductivity of 0.045 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, and specific heat capacity of 1714 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹, comparable to commercial insulation materials. However, significant shrinkage (up to 53.6%) and high water absorption (556%) limited scalability for broader applications.

Conclusion

The developed MBC shows promising potential as a lightweight thermal insulation material for non-structural building applications. While thermal properties are competitive with commercial insulators, addressing high shrinkage and water absorption through post-processing techniques like hot pressing is essential for practical implementation in construction.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11060460, PMID: 40558972
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