WHAT ARE MYCELIUM MATERIALS?
You're not alone in wondering this! Mycelium materials is a novel fabrication process that works with the filaments of fungi to bind and grow materials and objects. Often used in a similar way to casting concrete, this living substrate can be formed into a shape and incubated to cure the object.
QUALITIES & FEATURES
Compostability
Its main advantage is that it is fully compostable – all the parts involved are natural and can be readily digested by nature and return to the soil.
Treatments
Because mycelium is porous, it can be coated and treated with various products. Keep in mind using harmful coatings will effect its compostability.
Mechanical Strength
Mycelium materials have great compressional strength. Depending on what feedstocks are used, these qualities can be modified.
Regenerative
Mycelium can be fed a variety of organic substrates - this creates opportunities to feed the fungi waste organic resources like woodshavings.
Insulation
Panels have desirable qualities of both thermal and acoustic insulation due to it's porous nature. This makes them great for wall cladding.
Machinability
Composites can be worked by carving or cutting, as well as compression forming. Because of its chipboard like properties, it may struggle to be milled.
GROWING... BUT NOT QUITE THERE
Though we are mad about mycelium, we recognise that there is still a way to go on this journey to make mycelium materials commonplace in our lives.
Shortfalls of mycelium include its resistance to pest/ nature, lack of industry accreditation and the consumers knowledge of how to care for mycelium materials. We see these as opportunities
The mycelium fabrication field is quickly expanding, with research into new sectors such as extruding mycelium materials, growing textiles/ foams, as well as live bonding & healing. Exploring this sector is quickly becoming a gold rush - jump into mycelium materials now and make your own impression.
