Research Keyword: insulation

Characterization of Self-Growing Biomaterials Made of Fungal Mycelium and Various Lignocellulose-Containing Ingredients

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Scientists developed environmentally-friendly foam-like materials by growing mushroom mycelium (the root-like network of fungi) on agricultural waste like hemp and sawdust. These natural composites are strong, biodegradable, and can be used for packaging or insulation instead of plastic foam. However, they absorb water easily and can develop mold if exposed to moisture, so they need protective coatings for some applications.

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Fungal Strain Influences Thermal Conductivity, Hydrophobicity, Color Homogeneity, and Mold Contamination of Mycelial Composites

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Scientists tested mushroom-based materials grown on hemp for use as eco-friendly insulation. They compared nine different mushroom species to see which created the best insulation with desired properties. Some materials performed as well as or better than commercial foam insulation, and they discovered a novel way to prevent mold growth by exposing developing materials to dead mold spores.

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You Are What You Eat: How Fungal Adaptation Can Be Leveraged toward Myco-Material Properties

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Fungi can be grown to create eco-friendly materials that could replace plastics and petroleum-based products. By controlling what fungi eat and where they grow, scientists can engineer the properties of these materials to be stronger, more flexible, or water-resistant. This approach leverages the natural ability of fungi to break down organic matter and adapt to their environment. Companies like IKEA and Dell are already using these fungal materials in product packaging.

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Assessing the Conformity of Mycelium Biocomposites for Ecological Insulation Solutions

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

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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.

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