Research Keyword: building materials

Potential environmental impact of mycelium composites on African communities

Scientists studied how mushroom-based building blocks made from agricultural waste affect the environment in Africa. They found these eco-friendly materials can be better for the planet than concrete if produced with renewable energy like solar power or firewood. The biggest environmental cost comes from the energy used in growing and drying the mushroom composites, so using cleaner energy sources could make them much more sustainable.

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Thermal Degradation and Fire Properties of Fungal Mycelium and Mycelium-Biomass Composite Materials

This research explores how mushroom mycelium (fungal threads) can be grown with wheat grains to create fire-resistant composite materials. The study found that these mycelium-based composites are significantly safer than plastic polymers, catching fire less easily and releasing less heat when burned. The mycelium acts like a natural fire shield by forming a protective char layer. These findings suggest mycelium composites could be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic plastics for packaging and insulation applications.

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Patent landscape analysis for materials based on fungal mycelium: a guidance report on how to interpret the current patent situation

This report analyzes patents protecting mycelium-based materials that could replace plastic and petroleum products in construction, packaging, and insulation. Researchers found 73 existing patents and 34 applications, mostly owned by three US companies, with concerns that overly broad patent protections may be slowing innovation in this promising sustainable materials field. The findings suggest that while mycelium materials show tremendous potential as eco-friendly alternatives, patent restrictions need better management to accelerate their development and commercialization.

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Evaluation of Selected Fire Properties of Recycled Particleboards

This research examines how different types of wood used to make particleboards affect their ability to resist fire. Scientists tested boards made from fresh wood, decayed wood, and recycled wood materials by exposing them to intense heat. They found that boards made from fresh, minimally processed wood catch fire more slowly and burn more slowly than boards made from recycled materials, though recycled boards are more sustainable.

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Damp Buildings: Associated Fungi and How to Find Them

This review identifies which fungi commonly grow in damp buildings and explains how to find them. It shows that certain fungi like Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus versicolor grow on different building materials when moisture is present. The guide provides information on proper sampling techniques and identification methods that building inspectors and health professionals need to effectively address moldy building problems.

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A Comprehensive Review on Studying and Developing Guidelines to Standardize the Inspection of Properties and Production Methods for Mycelium-Bound Composites in Bio-Based Building Material Applications

This review examines mycelium-based composites, which are innovative building materials made from fungal networks grown on agricultural waste. These eco-friendly materials are biodegradable and use less energy to produce than traditional construction materials. The authors analyze current testing methods and propose standardized production guidelines to ensure consistent quality, helping make these sustainable materials more reliable for widespread use in buildings and construction.

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Assessing the Conformity of Mycelium Biocomposites for Ecological Insulation Solutions

Researchers developed insulation materials made from mushroom mycelium combined with agricultural and industrial waste products. These eco-friendly composites perform comparably to conventional synthetic insulation in terms of thermal properties and actually outperform them in fire safety. The materials are fully biodegradable and require fewer fossil fuels to produce, making them an attractive sustainable alternative for building construction.

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Perspectives of Insulating Biodegradable Composites Derived from Agricultural Lignocellulosic Biomass and Fungal Mycelium: A Comprehensive Study of Thermal Conductivity and Density Characteristics

Scientists created eco-friendly insulation material by combining agricultural waste like wheat, hemp, and flax straw with fungal mycelium as a natural binder. These composites are fully biodegradable, lightweight, and have thermal insulation properties comparable to conventional materials, offering a sustainable alternative for building insulation that performs better per unit weight than many traditional options.

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