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![(a) Miscanthus x giganteus plant [18] (b) Dried Miscanthus.](profile/Bhagya-Jayasinghe/publication/351043543/figure/fig1/AS:1016521165897729@1619368940672/a-Miscanthus-x-giganteus-plant-18-b-Dried-Miscanthus.png)
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![Fig. 1. (a) Miscanthus x giganteus plant [18] (b) Dried Miscanthus.](profile/Bhagya-Jayasinghe/publication/351043543/figure/fig1/AS:1016521165897729@1619368940672/a-Miscanthus-x-giganteus-plant-18-b-Dried-Miscanthus_Q320.jpg)
– Good insulation materials have low thermal conductivity which is mainly related with the density of the material. Bio-composite insulation materials contribute to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings. The main goal of this study is to study the effectiveness of a self-growing, bio-composite building insulation material made of Miscanth...
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... two main materials used in this study are Miscanthus and Mycelium. In this study, Miscanthus x giganteus ( Fig. 1(a)), the giant Miscanthus, which is locally available in Luxembourg was chosen due to its wide availability on the European market because of its high potential, good environmental profile and minimal risk of invasiveness [22]. It is a renewable raw material, that grows up to 4 m, on basically any type of hydromorphic grounds. Miscanthus ...
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... to 4 m, on basically any type of hydromorphic grounds. Miscanthus x giganteus is able to filter up to 30 metric tons of CO 2 per hectare over one year. It has high rigidity with low density due to a high content of parenchyma surrounded by a tough fibrous structure [23]. In this study, dried Miscanthus with average density of 120 kg/m 3 was used. Fig. 1(b) shows the dried and chopped Miscanthus fibers used in this ...
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... extended in order to analyze the mechanical characteristics of Mycelium-Miscanthus samples. Compressive tests on prisms were carried out to determine their compressive strength. Compressive strength of a prism depends on its porosity, pore size and material characteristics including the bonding of the Miscanthus fibers to the Mycelium used. Fig. 10 shows a test prism made of G0.3_M1_P0.1 after subjected to compression test. The load on the compression tip was applied at a constant rate and the load vs displacement data were recorded. The compression test was continued until the specimen reaches 10% relative displacement, and the compressive strength was defined according to Ref. ...
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... until the specimen reaches 10% relative displacement, and the compressive strength was defined according to Ref. [24] as the stress at 10% relative deformation displayed if the test specimen does not yield or rupture before it reaches the required deformation. The results for strain versus stress through the compression test are represented in Fig. 11. It can be seen that the compressive strength of the prisms varies between 1.2 N/mm 2 to 1.8 N/mm 2 . It was also observed that the composite stick together even after it reached to the non-reversible ...
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... initial dry mass of the sample was 0.0555 kg. Fig. 12 shows the observed results on the water absorption of test sample. It is reported that the water absorption of Mycelium-based materials is very fast and it increases in weight by 40-580 wt% in contact with water for 48-192 h [25]. The rate of absorption is dependent on the characteristic of the pores with their size, distribution and ...
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... in the water for a certain period to observe the possible changes and developments on the sample. Although the composite was observed during 1 month, no development of Ganoderma was observed. After 1 month, a sample was cut in half to inspect inside, and it was observed that Ganoderma had not developed inside the composite as well, as shown in Fig. 13. It is apparent that despite the water is partially raised in the sample, the development of the mold stops at the outer space (Fig. 13). This, it can be concluded that drying the mixture at 80 C effectively kills the ...
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... during 1 month, no development of Ganoderma was observed. After 1 month, a sample was cut in half to inspect inside, and it was observed that Ganoderma had not developed inside the composite as well, as shown in Fig. 13. It is apparent that despite the water is partially raised in the sample, the development of the mold stops at the outer space (Fig. 13). This, it can be concluded that drying the mixture at 80 C effectively kills the ...
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... were related to the volumes and the formworks used. The plate dimensions were 500 mm  500 mm x 70 mm. G0.3_M1_P0.1 mixture was used to manufacture the bio-composite plates. The aim of this experiment was to study the insulation capacity of the Miscanthus and Mycelium composite, and its interaction with plaster. The final plates are shown in Fig. ...
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... DUR 137 was used as a base coat layer and 10 mm thick of Weber TOP 200 was put on the first render layer as a finishing coat. After the application of base layer, a 5 mm  5 mm grid was placed on the top of the base layer as reinforcement. Before application of Weber TOP 200, it was ensured that the first layer is completely dry and dust free. Fig. 15 shows the manufactured plates with two layers of render. Fig. 16 compares the final density of each plate. The first four plates are very light having a density between 122.5 and 167.3 kg/m 3 . Low density of the composite is desirable for reducing the packaging and transportation costs as well as thermal properties of the composite. ...
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... TOP 200 was put on the first render layer as a finishing coat. After the application of base layer, a 5 mm  5 mm grid was placed on the top of the base layer as reinforcement. Before application of Weber TOP 200, it was ensured that the first layer is completely dry and dust free. Fig. 15 shows the manufactured plates with two layers of render. Fig. 16 compares the final density of each plate. The first four plates are very light having a density between 122.5 and 167.3 kg/m 3 . Low density of the composite is desirable for reducing the packaging and transportation costs as well as thermal properties of the composite. The larger thermal conductivity can be attributed to the higher ...
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... were first left for 76 days outdoor in order to study the impact of humidity and temperature changes as well as and UV radiation on them. It was observed that the renders on the plates were unaltered. There were neither cracks nor curvatures visible. However, after six weeks, a bump appeared on the Plate 6. Fig. 17 shows the variation of weight of the Plates 5 and 6 during the experiment. In general, it was observed that the plates did not change a lot, which shows that the Mycelium-Miscanthus plates are resistant on the environmental ...
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... the next step, the insulation capabilities of composite plates were studied by measuring their thermal conductivity. The device Taurus TLP800/900 was used to determine the thermal conductivity of Mycelium-Miscanthus composite plates. Fig. 18(a) shows the thermal conductivity test carried out by the Taurus TLP800/900 device on the composite plate according to ISO 8302/EN 1946-3. In total, three tests were carried out. For the first test, two composite plates (Plates 2 and 4) were used at the same time, as illustrated in Fig. 18(b), while the second test was carried out for a ...
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... conductivity of Mycelium-Miscanthus composite plates. Fig. 18(a) shows the thermal conductivity test carried out by the Taurus TLP800/900 device on the composite plate according to ISO 8302/EN 1946-3. In total, three tests were carried out. For the first test, two composite plates (Plates 2 and 4) were used at the same time, as illustrated in Fig. 18(b), while the second test was carried out for a single composite plate (Plate 1), as illustrated in Fig. 18(c). The third test was carried out using the two composite plates with render (i.e. Plates 5 and 6) after their exposition to outside environmental conditions for 2 months. In Fig. 18(b), the test setup for the measurement of the ...
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... out by the Taurus TLP800/900 device on the composite plate according to ISO 8302/EN 1946-3. In total, three tests were carried out. For the first test, two composite plates (Plates 2 and 4) were used at the same time, as illustrated in Fig. 18(b), while the second test was carried out for a single composite plate (Plate 1), as illustrated in Fig. 18(c). The third test was carried out using the two composite plates with render (i.e. Plates 5 and 6) after their exposition to outside environmental conditions for 2 months. In Fig. 18(b), the test setup for the measurement of the heat conductivity using two composite plates is illustrated. The bottom of the measuring device consists a ...
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... 2 and 4) were used at the same time, as illustrated in Fig. 18(b), while the second test was carried out for a single composite plate (Plate 1), as illustrated in Fig. 18(c). The third test was carried out using the two composite plates with render (i.e. Plates 5 and 6) after their exposition to outside environmental conditions for 2 months. In Fig. 18(b), the test setup for the measurement of the heat conductivity using two composite plates is illustrated. The bottom of the measuring device consists a cooling plate following by a levelling mat and thermocouples. At the middle of the machine, a heating plate is positioned. On the top of the machine, another cooling plate is positioned. ...
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... to install a temperature difference of 10 K within each composite plate. This is needed to calculate the thermal conductivity (i.e. λ-value). In addition, a thin layer of temperature sensors was introduced between each heating/cooling plate and these sensors measure the temperature at 5 points on the composite plate (test sample), as shown in Fig. 18(d). Moreover, the composite plates were insulated on the four sides so that they are positioned in the middle by use of Styrofoam are placed around the composite plate, as shown in Fig. ...
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... was introduced between each heating/cooling plate and these sensors measure the temperature at 5 points on the composite plate (test sample), as shown in Fig. 18(d). Moreover, the composite plates were insulated on the four sides so that they are positioned in the middle by use of Styrofoam are placed around the composite plate, as shown in Fig. ...
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... because of the temperature difference between the heating plate and the cooling plate. The λ-value is calculated from the power which is put into the heating plate, the thickness of the sample and the temperature difference. It gives the thermal conductivity of a material in the unit of Wm À1 K À1 . The obtained results are plotted in Fig. 19. From these results, it can be seen that the λ-values for plates 2&4, 1, and 5&6 are 0.0882, 0.104 and 0.121 Wm À1 K À1 , respectively. Thus, it is clear that the associated λ-value of new insulation material of Mycelium-Miscanthus composite is between 0.0882 and 0.104 Wm À1 K À1 . These result can be compared to λ-values of straw, ...
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... the test has to be considered to be over when the cotton begins to burn, a gap or opening is visible or the presence of a persistent flame on the side facing away from the fire is appearing. It was observed that a gap was visible and the cotton wool started to burn after 40 min. Fig. 20 shows the plate before and after it was burned for 40 min. Fig. 21 shows the captured temperature progression by the thermal camera during the fire test. It can be seen that the heat from the flame took about 7 min to get to the top of the plate and another 33 min to burn the cotton wool and create an opening on the top of the plate. Moreover, Fig. 22 depicts the variation of temperature at two ...
Citations
... Mycelium is used to fabricate various materials from surfboards to flower pots and lamp shades. The application also extends to the construction industry where mycelium biocomposites were developed for building insulation applications [10], [11]. Mushroom bricks were developed and used to construct a tower, 40-foot high, which is the tallest structure built of mycelium bricks. ...
Mycelium biocomposite materials have been established as a sustainable alternative to polystyrene in single use applications like packaging. However only little investigations are done on improving their resistance to fire and heat, which can find use in newer applications. This paper focuses on the development and characterization of a mycelium-based sawdust-coir pith biocomposite material treated with a combination of fire-retardant compounds (borax and boric acid). The outcomes of fire resistance tests, such as flammability, flame penetration and rate of burning demonstrated a significant improvement in values with respect to untreated samples. However, samples having 30% boron compounds by weight in it exhibited the best fire resistance properties. The thermal analysis of treated samples indicated that the presence of fire-retardant chemicals has not significantly affected their thermal stability. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of treated mycelium composite material was found to be 212.75 °C against a value of 207.78 °C for untreated samples. The fire retardant treated mycelium composite samples having 30% boron by weight in it, exhibited an average sound absorption coefficient of 0.38 compared with a sound absorption coefficient of 0.29 for polyurethane foam. The prepared mycelium biocomposite has a self-extinguishing nature and exceptional fire resistance capabilities with an LOI value of 50%. The mechanical testing revealed that the presence of fire-retardant chemicals has significantly improved the flexural properties. However, only a marginal increase was visible in the compression strength of mycelium biocomposites.
... MBCs made from G. carnosum and oak shavings without pressing 0.28 [184] Synthetic foams Not reported [22] Wood-based composites 1.9-25 [3] Paper-based materials 0.05-9 [22] Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) MBCs made from G. resinaceum and Miscanthus fibers without pressing 0.104 [185] Synthetic foams 0.006-0.8 [9,60] Wood-based composites 0.08-0.5 [9,60] Paper-based materials 0.03-0.09 ...
... Meanwhile, utilizing fungal mycelium from G. carnosum and oak shavings without pressing creates MBCs with lower swelling compared to wood composites, but akin to paper-based materials [3,22,184]. Regarding thermal properties like conductivity and degradation, fungal mycelium from G. resinaceum and Miscanthus fibers without pressing, as well as T. versicolor and wheat grain without pressing, result in MBCs with properties similar to synthetic foams, wood-based composites, and paper-based materials [9,22,36,60,[185][186][187]. Furthermore, using fungal mycelium from P. ostreatus and rubber sawdust with heat pressing, and P. ostreatus and wastepaper-based substrates without pressing, produces MBCs with flexural strength and sound absorption frequencies similar to foams, wood-based, and paper-based materials [3,9,22,36,60,[188][189][190]. ...
Mycelium-based green composites (MBCs) represent an eco-friendly material innovation with vast potential across diverse applications. This paper provides a thorough review of the factors influencing the production and properties of MBCs, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term sustainability goals. It delves into critical aspects such as fungal species selection, substrate type selection, substrate preparation, optimal conditions, dehydrating methods, post-processing techniques, mold design, sterilization processes, cost comparison, key recommendations , and other necessary factors. Regarding fungal species selection, the paper highlights the significance of considering factors like mycelium species, decay type, hyphal network systems, growth rate, and bonding properties in ensuring the safety and suitability of MBCs fabrication. Substrate type selection is discussed, emphasizing the importance of chemical characteristics such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin content, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and the C: N ratio in determining mycelium growth and MBC properties. Substrate preparation methods, optimal growth conditions, and post-processing techniques are thoroughly examined, along with their impacts on MBCs quality and performance. Moreover, the paper discusses the importance of designing molds and implementing effective sterilization processes to ensure clean environments for mycelium growth. It also evaluates the costs associated with MBCs production compared to traditional materials , highlighting potential cost savings and economic advantages. Additionally, the paper provides key recommendations and precautions for improving MBC properties, including addressing fungal strain degeneration, encouraging research collaboration, establishing biosecurity protocols, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing storage conditions, implementing waste management practices, conducting life cycle assessments, and suggesting parameters for desirable MBC properties. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing MBCs production and provides guidance for optimizing processes to achieve sustainable, high-quality composites for diverse applications.
... Studies on miscanthus have shown it can be used for both passive noise protection and fire protection [131]. Miscanthus fibers have already been shown to have a relatively high insulating capacity in regard to temperature [132][133][134]. Eschenhagen et al. [135] found a low-cost insulated particle board based on miscanthus and sunflower stems in France and demonstrated that it had great potential because of its lower density and be er thermal conductivity. ...
... Studies on miscanthus have shown it can be used for both passive noise protection and fire protection [131]. Miscanthus fibers have already been shown to have a relatively high insulating capacity in regard to temperature [132][133][134]. Eschenhagen et al. [135] found a low-cost insulated particle board based on miscanthus and sunflower stems in France and demonstrated that it had great potential because of its lower density and better thermal conductivity. ...
The growing importance of environmental efficiency in reducing carbon emissions has prompted scientists around the world to intensify their efforts to prevent the destructive effects of a changing climate and a warming planet. Global carbon emissions rose by more than 40% in 2021, leading to significant variations in the planet's weather patterns. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of natural resources continue to be exploited. To prepare for this challenge, it is essential to implement a sustainable approach in the construction industry. Biobased materials are made primarily from renewable raw materials like hemp, straw, miscanthus, and jute. These new materials provide excellent thermal and acoustic performance and make optimum use of local natural resources such as agricultural waste. Nowadays, cement is one of the most important construction materials. In an attempt to meet this exciting challenge, biobased materials with low-carbon binders are one of the proposed solutions to create a more insulating and less polluting material. The aim of this review is to investigate and to analyze the impact of the incorporation of different types of biobased materials on the mechanical, thermal, and hygric performance of a mix using different types of binder.
... To shape the structural members of MBCs into specific forms, different moulds are used. A commonly used method is to use wooden moulds to achieve the desired shape and size [44][45][46][47][48]78,85,86]. On the other hand, plastic moulds are also a popular choice [49][50][51][52]87,88]. ...
Mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) are innovative materials created by combining lignocellulosic sub-products with fungal mycelium. These composites possess a remarkable ability to transform waste fragments into a continuous material without requiring additional energy input or generating further waste. The production process of MBCs involves utilising different fungal species, substrates, and pressing techniques, resulting in composites with diverse physical, mechanical, and functional properties. A comprehensive evaluation of MBCs’ properties is crucial to explore their potential applications in the construction sector and ensure their suitability for specific purposes. This study provides a critical evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of engineered mycelium-bound composites under various manufacturing conditions. Additionally, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) methodologies were applied to investigation the optimum conditions for mycelium composites in the construction industry. The outcomes of FCE show the most promising fungal species, offering an optimal balance between material performance and production efficiency. Furthermore, the future development of MBCs manufacturing techniques was reviewed, providing a valuable reference for future research endeavours and showcasing the potential of MBCs applications within the field of civil engineering.
... Promising results was obtained by adding different additives to the base substrate such as coffee silver skin, beech wood and perlite rock in order see the influence of the additives on the physical properties of the MBCs (Dehn and Kotan, 2021). New insulation materials were developed using mycelium of Miscanthus giganteus (Dias et al., 2021). According to Bonenberg et al. (2023), the mycelium based composites exhibit porous and uneven surfaces but their thermal conductivities were found to be similar to those of commercially available ecological insulation materials. ...
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in finding sustainable alternatives to traditionalpackaging materials such as thermocol/polystyrene. One promising solution that has gained attentionin recent past is the use of fungal mycelium, the fast-growing vegetative part of fungi, as a substitutefor polystyrene. Fungal mycelium, a substance derived from diverse biological and agricultural wastes,is regarded as a secure, non-reactive, sustainable, organic and environmentally friendly packagingmaterial. The substance exhibits the ability to form self-assembling bonds, resulting in the rapidproduction of robust and environmentally degradable materials. The objective of this study is to conducta comprehensive examination of the developments and present status of mycelium-based technology,with a particular emphasis on its utilization in the fields of packaging and insulation; and howmycelium can be used to remediate agro-industrial wastes. By examining the advantages, challenges,and potential drawbacks of using mycelium as a substitute for polystyrene, this paper aims to shedlight on the feasibility and sustainability of mycelium-based materials.
... Given the limitations related to oxygen diffusion, density profile analysis stands out as an optimal method to ascertain the presence of mycelium throughout the thickness of composite [43]. While numerous studies have explored the physical and mechanical properties of composites, there remains a paucity of detailed investigations into the density profile analysis of mycelium-based composites, particularly in relation to ensuring homogeneity and adequate binder content throughout the composite [44,45]. This study seeks to bridge this gap by employing a meticulous density profile analysis, providing insights that could enhance the understanding and optimization of mycelium-based composite production. ...
Rubber wood sawdust (RBS) represents a prominent agricultural waste, notable for its high lignocellulose content. This unique composition not only renders it eco-friendly but also offers enhanced mechanical strength, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising candidate for composite materials. Beyond its traditional role in the mushroom industry, the potential of RBS is increasingly recognized in the realm of sustainable composites, especially in mycelium composite technology. This study delves into creating a biodegradable composite that effectively harnesses this waste. This study assessed critical inoculation conditions, such as moisture content (50 to 80%), pressing temperatures, and oxygen availability, for their influence on the properties of mycelium-based composites (MBC). Thermogravimetric analysis pinpointed mycelium degradation at 270 °C, tied to chitin disintegration, with RBS fiber initiating weight loss at 250 °C. Notably, MBC panels pressed at 130 °C surpassed mycelium-free controls (CRM) in flexural strength, stability, and morphology. SEM investigations further emphasized the mycelium as self-binding matrix microorganism in the composite, enhancing void filling and bonding. These findings highlight the suitability of RBS as a waste-derived material in mycelium composites, paving the way for innovative, eco-conscious applications.
Graphical Abstract
... Its network structure consisting of branching tubular filaments called hyphae are mainly composed of chitin, β-glucans, and proteins 109 . It has been developed as a sustainable alternative to packaging material and synthetic polymers for a limited range of building products 110,111 . With changes to its feedstock mycelium mimics the functionality of products as diverse as polystyrene, particle board and leather. ...
Nature provides a rich source of information for the design of novel materials; yet there remain significant challenges in the design and manufacture of materials that replicate the form, function, and sustainability of biological solutions. Here, we identify key challenges and promising approaches to the development of materials informed by biology. These challenges fall into two main areas; the first relates to harnessing biological information for materials innovation, including key differences between biological and synthetic materials, and the relationship between structure and function. We propose an approach to materials innovation that capitalizes on biodiversity, together with high-throughput characterization of biological material architectures and properties, linked to environmental and ecological context. The second area relates to the design and manufacture of bioinformed materials, including the physical scale of material architectures and manufacturing scale up. We suggest ways to address these challenges and promising prospects for a bioinformed approach to materials innovation.
... The composite is made of Miscanthus x giganteus, a bioenergy crop, and Mycelium, which has a low density, low thermal conductivity, high fire safety, and a water-repellent fungal skin. The Miscanthus x giganteus composite can filter up to 30 metric tons of CO 2 per hectare over one year [76]. Mycelium-based composites have been shown to have promising sound absorption properties due to their porous and fibrous structure, low density, and high surface area. ...
Domestic cooling demands in arid and hot climate regions, including Qatar, induce a significant challenge to reduce the area’s cooling energy consumption and carbon footprint, primarily due to the heavy reliance on electricity-intensive air conditioning systems. The inadequacy and inefficiency of conventional construction and insulation materials and their improper implementation further exacerbate this issue. Considering such challenges, this research comprehensively evaluates an unconventional and innovative solution recently proposed for this purpose: mycelium-based thermal insulation. Mycelium is the vegetative, thread-like structure of fungi, consisting of a network of branching hyphae that facilitate nutrient absorption and environmental interactions. This review paper analyses mycelium-based composites, focusing on their mechanical, physical, and chemical characterization. It also explores the potential of mycelium as a sustainable solution for indoor temperature regulation, particulate matter absorption, and bioremediation. Moreover, this review examines various available insulation materials and highlights the unique advantages offered by mycelium-based composites. As a result, the literature review indicates that mycelium exhibits exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation properties owing to its low thermal conductivity, favorable water absorption coefficient, porous structure, and considerable mechanical strength. This porous architecture facilitates efficient air purification, improving indoor air quality. Additionally, mycelium shows promise in actively degrading pollutants such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and pesticides in soil and water.
... Kuribayashi et al. [14] concluded that fungal species determined the mycelial properties, with dense and continuous aerial hyphae facilitating the flexibility and shape retention of mycelium composites. Previous reports have focused on elucidating the relationship between factors such as fungal abundance, substrate type and processing techniques with the appearance and mechanical properties of the final products [15][16][17][18][19]. Lignocellulosic materials, as building blocks, were typically arranged densely to impart strong mechanical behavior to composites and ensure their dimensional stability in practical applications [20,21]. ...
... It is crucial to develop the lab facilities that enable to control the conditions to mimic the natural environments and allow to directly observe the mycelium growth without damaging its structure. The most suitable environment for most mycelium to grow is in a lowlight environment with a temperature of 20-25°C and humidity level for 93-95% RH. [13][14][15] While the incubation periods for the fungus ranged from 12 to 32°C. 16 In order to build the environment and grow mycelium in the lab, a realtime climate control system is needed. ...
Mycelium-based materials have seen a surge in popularity in the manufacturing industry in recent years. This study aims to build a lab-scale experimental facility to investigate mycelium growth under a well-controlled temperature and humidity environment and explore how substrates of very different chemical and mechanical properties can affect the microscopic morphology of the mycelium fibers during growth. Here, we design and build a customized green tent with good thermal and humidity insulation for controlling the temperature and humidity and monitor the environmental data with an Arduino chip. We develop our procedure to grow mycelium from spores to fibrous networks. It is shown that a hydrogel substrate with soluble nutrition is more favorite for mycelium growth than a hardwood board and leads to higher growing speed. We take many microscopic images of the mycelium fibers on the hardwood board and the hydrogel substrate and found no significant difference in diameter (∼3 μm). This research provides a foundation to explore the mechanism of mycelium growth and explore the environmentally friendly and time-efficient method of its growth.
