The compressive strength of mycelium derived from a mushroom production process

J. B. da Conceição van Nieuwenhuizen; D. R. L. M. Blauwhoff; M. F. C. de Werdt; W. G. N. van der Zanden; D. J. J. L. van Rhee; W. O. J. Bottger

doi:10.26168/icbbm2017.40

J. B. da Conceição van Nieuwenhuizen
D. R. L. M. Blauwhoff
M. F. C. de Werdt
W. G. N. van der Zanden
D. J. J. L. van Rhee
W. O. J. Bottger

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26168/icbbm2017.40

Keywords: Mycelium, composite, mechanical properties, compression load, product design

Abstract

This paper presents the context of the research and a literature review into the state of the art of creating mycelium products. A theoretical framework is described, the production process of mushroom farmers is researched and used to create mycelium composite with good mechanical properties, with a focus on compressive strength. The main goal of the research is to create blocks of mycelium composite that can be used in the building industry and can be tested on compressive strength in a wall configuration. Collaborating with local mushroom farmers and bio polymer specialists the influences of the type of mycelium, the growth (circumstances), the (type of) substrate, and the processing on the mechanical properties of the mycelium blocks are researched. Series of specimen and blocks with different properties and growing conditions are produced together with the mushroom farmer and tested. A rudimentary exploration of joining techniques and possible shapes of the blocks supports the design and construction of three small wall specimen with mycelium composite blocks. These proofs of concept are tested on compressive strength. The results are presented in this paper.