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

Summary

Researchers developed eco-friendly composite materials by growing oyster mushroom mycelium on waste polyester-cotton textile fibers. The optimal blend was 65% polyester and 35% cotton, which balanced strength, water resistance, and ability to break down in soil. These materials could replace foam plastics in packaging and home products while helping solve the problem of textile waste.

Background

Approximately 140 million tonnes of textile waste are generated globally annually with low recycling rates. Polyester-cotton blended textiles constitute 70% of blended fabrics, making their reuse environmentally significant. Mycelium-based composites represent an eco-friendly alternative by integrating fungal mycelium with waste textile substrates.

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of polyester-cotton blended yarn as a substrate for mycelium composite materials and determine optimal ratios for sustainable textile waste treatment. The study evaluated mechanical properties, moisture resistance, and biodegradability across five polyester-cotton ratio samples.

Results

The 65:35 polyester-cotton ratio demonstrated optimal comprehensive properties with compressive strength of 0.221 MPa and flexural strength of 0.791 MPa. ANOVA confirmed all properties were significantly influenced by the polyester-cotton ratio (ηp² exceeding 84%). Higher cotton content enhanced mycelium coverage, biodegradability, and impact resistance, while polyester contributed to moisture resistance and mechanical rigidity.

Conclusion

The 65:35 polyester-cotton ratio provides an optimal balance between mechanical properties, moisture resistance, and biodegradability for textile-based mycelium composites. These materials show promise as sustainable alternatives for packaging and home products, providing data support for textile waste valorization and advancing innovative sustainable design applications in the apparel industry.
  • Published in:Biomimetics (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/biomimetics10100681; PMID: 41149211
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