LITERATURE
Brewer2, Matthew, et al. “Growing and Testing Mycelium Bricks as Building Insulation Materials.” IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, IOP Publishing, 1 Feb. 2018, https://journals. plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0213954
Summary: This study investigates mycelium-based composites as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. Various fibers and processing methods are examined, and the results demonstrate the potential of mycelium composites for thermal insulation, with their performance depending on fiber processing rather than composition. These composites show promise as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials.
Elsacker, Elise, et al. “Mechanical, Physical and Chemical Characterizations of Mycelium-Based Composites with Different Types of Lignocellulosic Substrates.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0213954. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.
Summary: This paper examines mycelium-based materials as an eco-friendly alternative in the construction industry. These materials are created by infusing agricultural residue fibers with fungal mycelium, resulting in lightweight and biodegradable composites. The study delves into the production process and assesses the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of mycelium-based composites made with various lignocellulosic fibers and the Trametes versicolor fungus.
Mitchell Jones, et al. “Engineered Mycelium Composite Construction Materials from Fungal Biorefineries: A Critical Review.” Materials & Design, Elsevier, 2 Dec. 2019, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127519308354.
Summary: The text discusses the rising interest and commercialization of mycelium composites as eco-friendly construction materials in the EU and USA. Mycelium composites are created by cultivating fungal mycelium on agricultural by-products and waste materials, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials. They possess properties like low thermal conductivity, excellent acoustic absorption, and fire safety characteristics, making them ideal for thermal and acoustic insulation. However, they have limitations, such as foam-like mechanical properties, high water absorption, and incomplete property documentation.
“Characterization of Mycelium-Based Composites as Foam-like Wall Insulation Material.” Eindhoven University of Technology Research Portal, research.tue.nl/en/studentTheses/characterization-of-mycelium-based-composites-as-foam-like-wall-i. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023. Summary: This research investigates the feasibility of using mycelium-based composites (MBC) as foam-like wall insulation material with a focus on sustainability and circular economy principles. The study aims to optimize the substrate ratio for MBC in terms of thermal conductivity and compressive strength. The research explores the effects of a prolonged growth period on mycelium’s water resistance and conducts an accelerated aging test to assess MBC’s durability. The results indicate that MBC exhibits good thermal and mechanical properties, with substrate choices playing a crucial role. Additionally, MBC demonstrates moisture buffer capacity and resistance to accelerated aging, making it a promising candidate for internal wall insulation and part of vapor-permeable building envelope systems, contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials.
