Fully Bio-Based Hybrid Composites Made of Wood, Fungal Mycelium and Cellulose Nanofibrils

Author: mycolabadmin
3/6/2019
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Summary

Scientists developed a new type of eco-friendly composite material by combining wood particles, fungal mycelium, and cellulose fibers without using toxic formaldehyde glues. The fungus naturally bonds to the wood surface, and when combined with plant-based cellulose fibers, creates a strong, water-resistant material suitable for furniture and packaging. This fully natural composite requires much less cellulose fiber than previous methods, making it more practical for commercial production.

Background

Lignocellulosic-based composites are receiving attention as renewable alternatives to synthetic materials, but traditional adhesives are formaldehyde-based resins which are carcinogenic. Recent developments include cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and mycelium-based biopolymer composites as natural binding alternatives. This work combines both technologies to create fully bio-based particleboard-like composites.

Objective

The study aimed to develop and investigate novel hybrid panel composites based on wood, fungal mycelium, and cellulose nanofibrils. Two material systems were compared: mycelium-modified wood hybridized with CNF versus unmodified wood mixed with pure mycelium and CNF. The goal was to optimize physical and mechanical properties for potential packaging and furniture applications.

Results

Group 2 composites (mycelium-modified wood with CNF) demonstrated superior properties compared to Group 1. Water absorption and thickness swelling were significantly reduced in Group 2 at 2.5% CNF addition. Modulus of rupture and elasticity increased with CNF addition, optimally at 2.5-5% depending on density. SEM imaging showed mycelium modification created a fungal hyphal network covering wood particles, with CNF forming a uniform film over surfaces.

Conclusion

The wood-mycelium and CNF hybrid system successfully produced fully bio-based composite panels with promising physical and mechanical properties suitable for packaging and furniture applications. Mycelium-treated wood particles required significantly less CNF (2.5%) compared to previous studies requiring 15% CNF alone. The technology demonstrates potential to replace formaldehyde-based composites while improving dimensional stability.

Published in:Scientific Reports,
Study Type:Experimental Research,
Source: 10.1038/s41598-019-40442-8; PMID: 30842558