Performance of mycelium composites of Lentinus crinitus under two compression protocols

Considering the current environmental problems that has been generated by excessive production of synthetic plastics, more sustainable alternatives have proposed. One these recently studied materials are mycelium composites, a product obtained with lignocellulosic particles agglomerated together myceliar growth filamentous fungus. This novel type could represent an option to replace non-biodegradable materials. In this work, composites characteristics comparable expanded polystyrene (EPS) and potentially suitable for fabrication insulation panels were developed using Lentinus crinitus strain previously selected after mycelial phases tests. Mechanical variables in bending, compression strength stiffness measured following ASTM D143 standard. Two protocols composite followed different loads. Flexural reached 0.48 MPa 0.235 MPa. Results compared data balsa wood (Ochroma pyramidale) similarity possible applications, as its substitute early published on composites. performance flexural compressive revealed their potential use biodegradable some applications plastics packing