8 January 2024 | Zicheng Huang, Yaning Wei and S. Ali Hadigheh
This review explores the variations in the properties of engineered mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) under different manufacturing conditions. MBCs are innovative materials created by combining lignocellulosic sub-products with fungal mycelium, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. The study evaluates the physical and mechanical properties of MBCs, focusing on factors such as fungal species, substrates, temperature, humidity, and pressing techniques. The research applies the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) to determine the optimal conditions for MBCs in construction. The findings indicate that certain fungal species, such as Pleurotus ostreatus, offer the best balance between material performance and production efficiency. The study also reviews future developments in MBCs manufacturing, including 3D printing and the integration of additives to enhance their properties. The paper highlights the potential of MBCs in civil engineering applications, emphasizing their low density, thermal and acoustic insulation properties, affordability, and reduced carbon footprint. The research underscores the importance of considering various factors, such as substrate type, moisture content, and temperature, in the production of MBCs to achieve desired mechanical properties. The study concludes that while MBCs cannot currently replace traditional materials like clay brick and plywood, they show promise as sustainable alternatives with potential for use in non-primary structural applications. The findings provide valuable insights for future research and development in the field of bio-based materials.This review explores the variations in the properties of engineered mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) under different manufacturing conditions. MBCs are innovative materials created by combining lignocellulosic sub-products with fungal mycelium, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. The study evaluates the physical and mechanical properties of MBCs, focusing on factors such as fungal species, substrates, temperature, humidity, and pressing techniques. The research applies the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) to determine the optimal conditions for MBCs in construction. The findings indicate that certain fungal species, such as Pleurotus ostreatus, offer the best balance between material performance and production efficiency. The study also reviews future developments in MBCs manufacturing, including 3D printing and the integration of additives to enhance their properties. The paper highlights the potential of MBCs in civil engineering applications, emphasizing their low density, thermal and acoustic insulation properties, affordability, and reduced carbon footprint. The research underscores the importance of considering various factors, such as substrate type, moisture content, and temperature, in the production of MBCs to achieve desired mechanical properties. The study concludes that while MBCs cannot currently replace traditional materials like clay brick and plywood, they show promise as sustainable alternatives with potential for use in non-primary structural applications. The findings provide valuable insights for future research and development in the field of bio-based materials.