Mycelium-Based Composites as a Sustainable Solution for Waste Management and Circular Economy

Mycelium-Based Composites as a Sustainable Solution for Waste Management and Circular Economy

13 January 2024 | Daniel-Gabriel Barta, Irina Simion, Ancuța-Elena Tiuc, Ovidiu Vasile
This article explores the use of mycelium-based composites (MBCs) as a sustainable solution for waste management and the circular economy. MBCs are created by combining fungal mycelium with organic substrates, using the mycelium as a natural adhesive. The study focuses on developing MBCs with acoustic absorption properties using coffee grounds and agricultural waste as raw materials. This approach not only helps in recovering spent coffee grounds but also reduces noise pollution and waste accumulation. The research presents a novel method for utilizing waste materials without high production costs, contributing to a circular economy by repurposing waste into valuable products. The study investigates the sound absorption properties of MBCs, specifically those made with Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) and Trametes versicolor (T. versicolor). The sound absorption coefficient was measured using an impedance tube, revealing that G. lucidum-based composites exhibit exceptional sound absorption properties at frequencies below 700 Hz. The results show that the sound absorption coefficient of G. lucidum-based composites is higher than that of T. versicolor-based composites, particularly at frequencies above 500 Hz. The study also examines the impact of material thickness, lichen presence, and contact surface on sound absorption. It is found that increasing the thickness of the composite material improves sound absorption, especially at low frequencies. Additionally, the presence of lichens on the surface of the composite material enhances its sound absorption properties, particularly at high frequencies. The research highlights the potential of MBCs as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials in various applications, including sound absorption. The use of waste materials in the production of MBCs aligns with the principles of the circular economy, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and minimizing environmental impact. The study concludes that MBCs, particularly those made with G. lucidum, have promising sound-absorbing properties, making them a viable solution for addressing noise pollution and waste management challenges.This article explores the use of mycelium-based composites (MBCs) as a sustainable solution for waste management and the circular economy. MBCs are created by combining fungal mycelium with organic substrates, using the mycelium as a natural adhesive. The study focuses on developing MBCs with acoustic absorption properties using coffee grounds and agricultural waste as raw materials. This approach not only helps in recovering spent coffee grounds but also reduces noise pollution and waste accumulation. The research presents a novel method for utilizing waste materials without high production costs, contributing to a circular economy by repurposing waste into valuable products. The study investigates the sound absorption properties of MBCs, specifically those made with Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) and Trametes versicolor (T. versicolor). The sound absorption coefficient was measured using an impedance tube, revealing that G. lucidum-based composites exhibit exceptional sound absorption properties at frequencies below 700 Hz. The results show that the sound absorption coefficient of G. lucidum-based composites is higher than that of T. versicolor-based composites, particularly at frequencies above 500 Hz. The study also examines the impact of material thickness, lichen presence, and contact surface on sound absorption. It is found that increasing the thickness of the composite material improves sound absorption, especially at low frequencies. Additionally, the presence of lichens on the surface of the composite material enhances its sound absorption properties, particularly at high frequencies. The research highlights the potential of MBCs as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials in various applications, including sound absorption. The use of waste materials in the production of MBCs aligns with the principles of the circular economy, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and minimizing environmental impact. The study concludes that MBCs, particularly those made with G. lucidum, have promising sound-absorbing properties, making them a viable solution for addressing noise pollution and waste management challenges.
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