Spent mushroom substrate and sawdust to produce mycelium-based thermal insulation composites. (1st September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schritt, Helge; Vidi, Stephan; Pleissner, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 313(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-01
• Subjects: Ganoderma lucidum -- Trametes versicolor -- Bioeconomy -- Insulation materials -- Composites; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127910
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed at the development of a competitive and sustainable mycelium-based insulation material with low thermal conductivity. The investigated substrates were a) beech sawdust (SD), b) beech SD supplemented with further nutrients, c) spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as well as d) SMS supplemented with further nutrients. Substrates have been inoculated with Ganoderma lucidum or Trametes versicolor . Irrespective the substrate supplied, T. versicolor showed an overall good growth performance with a mycelial growth rate of 7.4–11.8 mm day −1 . The mycelial density was in the range of 190–200 kg m −3 and the handling properties of were overall good. G. lucidum did grow on SD-based substrates at a mycelial growth rate between 5.9 and 6.9 mm day −1 . Conversely, SMS inhibited the growth of G. lucidum . Results revealed that T. versicolor can effectively recycle SMS and G. lucidum SD-based substrates into lightweight materials with a low thermal conductivity (0.06–0.07 W m −1 ∙K −1 ). Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Ganoderma lucidum did not grow on spent mushroom substrate but on sawdust. Trametes versicolor did grow on both substrates. Both substrates and fungi result in materials with a low thermal conductivity. Mycelium-based composites were easy to handle and useable for thermal insulation.