Investigation of mechanical and physical properties of mycelium-based biocomposites from Fomes fomentarius using different lignocellulosic substrates

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Wood and Paper Industries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.

2 Department of Wood and Paper Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

3 Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.

10.22059/jfwp.2025.392475.1342

Abstract

Mycelium-based biocomposites have attracted significant attention from researchers and industries as sustainable alternatives to traditional composites due to their environmental compatibility, biodegradability, and low production costs. This study investigates the effects of different lignocellulosic substrates—cotton stalks, wheat straw, and beech wood waste—on the mechanical and physical properties of mycelium-based biocomposites produced with the fungus Fomes fomentarius. The production process involved substrate inoculation with fungal mycelium, incubation under controlled conditions, and hot/cold pressing to form dense structures. Physical (water absorption, thickness swelling) and mechanical tests (bending strength, bending modulus of elasticity, internal bonding strength) were conducted in accordance with EN standards. Results showed that the cotton stalk biocomposite, with the highest aspect ratio (54.78) and specific surface area of particles, formed a more continuous network of fungal hyphae, resulting in adequate bending strength (6.26 MPa), bending modulus of elasticity (1.3 GPa), and internal bonding strength (0.2 MPa). In contrast, the beech wood waste biocomposite showed the lowest mechanical performance due to high particle thickness and larger structural pores. Water absorption and thickness swelling were influenced by substrate hydrophilicity and structural density: wheat straw biocomposite had the highest water absorption (77.92%), while beech wood waste had the lowest (54.44%). This study highlights that selecting substrates with optimal physicochemical properties is crucial for optimizing the performance of mycelium-based composites. However, further interdisciplinary research is needed to enhance resistance and expand industrial applications of these biodegradable materials.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 78, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 133-145

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