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The Fungus Among Us: Innovations and Applications of Mycelium-Based Composites

Summary

Mycelium-based composites are eco-friendly building materials made by growing mushroom fungus on agricultural waste like sawdust and straw. These materials are lightweight, provide excellent insulation and soundproofing, and are much more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. However, they absorb water easily and aren’t strong enough for load-bearing structures, making them best suited for insulation and non-structural panels.

Background

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are emerging sustainable materials that convert agricultural waste into eco-friendly alternatives to energy-intensive synthetic construction materials. These materials utilize fungal growth as a low-energy bio-fabrication method, addressing environmental challenges in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Objective

This comprehensive review examines the fabrication processes, production factors, and performance properties of mycelium-based composites. The paper addresses fungal species selection, substrate choice, growth conditions, dehydration methods, mechanical and physical properties, termite resistance, cost analysis, and life cycle assessment.

Results

MBCs demonstrate exceptional thermal insulation (0.1 W/mK), acoustic absorption, and fire safety properties superior to conventional foams. Compressive strength ranges from 0.03-4.44 MPa and tensile strength from 0.01-1.55 MPa depending on fungal species and substrate. However, high water absorption (100-436%) and limited mechanical properties restrict use to non-structural applications.

Conclusion

MBCs show significant potential for thermal and acoustic insulation applications in construction due to their sustainability and performance advantages. Key challenges include high water absorption, inconsistent mechanical properties, and limited structural capacity, requiring further research into processing techniques and material modifications for expanded applications.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40863501, DOI: 10.3390/jof11080549
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