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Study on the Properties and Design Applications of Polyester–Cotton Matrix Mycelium Composite Materials

Summary

Scientists have developed a new eco-friendly material by growing mushroom mycelium on polyester-cotton textile waste, creating a biodegradable composite that could replace plastic foams. The best results came from a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, which provided a good balance of strength, moisture resistance, and the ability to break down naturally in soil. This innovation offers a promising solution to the massive problem of textile waste, which currently piles up in landfills around the world.

Background

Waste textiles, particularly polyester-cotton blends comprising 80% of textile waste, pose significant environmental challenges with existing recycling methods being costly and difficult. Mycelium-based composites offer an eco-friendly alternative by utilizing fungal mycelium to degrade complex substrate components. This study explores the feasibility of using polyester-cotton yarn as a substrate for mycelium composites.

Objective

To investigate the properties of polyester-cotton matrix mycelium composites with varying fiber ratios and determine optimal conditions for material performance. The study aims to develop textile-based mycelium composite products and explore their design applications for sustainable development in the apparel industry.

Results

A 65:35 polyester-cotton ratio demonstrated optimal comprehensive properties with compressive strength of 0.221 MPa and flexural strength of 0.791 MPa. ANOVA analysis confirmed that polyester-cotton ratio significantly influenced all properties (ηp² > 84%), with the most significant effect on compressive strength (ηp² > 99%). Higher cotton content enhanced mycelium coverage, impact resistance, and biodegradability, while polyester content improved moisture resistance.

Conclusion

The 65:35 polyester-cotton ratio provides an optimal balance between mechanical properties, moisture resistance, and biodegradability, establishing a data foundation for developing textile-based mycelium composite products. The study demonstrates that mycelium composites can serve as sustainable alternatives for waste textile treatment and presents significant applications in home product design and the apparel industry.
  • Published in:Biomimetics (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41149211, DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics10100681
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