Mycelium based composites (MBC) exhibit many properties that make them promising alternatives for less sustainable materials. However, there is no unified approach to their testing. We hypothesise that the two-phase particulate composite model and use of ASTM D1037 could provide a basis for systematisation. An experimental series of MBC were produced using four substrate particle sizes and subjected to compression testing. We report on their effect over Young’s modulus and ultimate strength. We extend the study by investigating three anisotropic substrate designs through orientated fibre placement as a strategy for modifying compressive behaviour. We find that the two-phase particulate model is appropriate for describing the mechanical behaviour of MBC and that mechanical behaviour can be modified through anisotropic designs using orientated fibres. We also confirm that fibre orientation and particle size are significant parameters in determining ultimate strength.

Mycelium-based composites (MBC) are a promising class of relatively novel materials that leverage mycelium colonisation of substrates. Being predicated on biological growth, rather than extraction based material sourcing from the geosphere, MBC are garnering attention as potential alternatives for certain fossil-based materials. In addition, their protocols of production point towards more sustainable and circular practices. MBC remains an emerging practice in both production and analysis of materials, particularly with regard to standardisation and repeatability of protocols. Here, we show a series of flexural tests following ASTM D1037, reporting flexural modulus and flexural modulus of rupture. To increase the mechanical proprieties, we contribute with an approach that follows the composition strategy of reinforcement by considering fibre topology and implementing structural components to the substrate. We explore four models that consist of a control group, the integration of inner hessian, hessian jacketing and rattan fibres. Apart from the inner hessian group, the introduction of rattan fibres and hessian jacketing led to significant increases in both strength and stiffness (α = 0.05). The mean of the flexural modulus for the most performative rattan series (1.34 GPa) is still close to three times lower than that of Medium-Density Fibreboard, and approximately 16 times lower in modulus of rupture. A future investigation could focus on developing a hybrid strategy of composition and densification so as to improve aggregate interlocking and resulting strength and stiffness.

Mycelium Based Composites (MBC) exhibit many properties that make them promising alternatives for less sustainable materials. However, there is no unified approach to their testing. We hypothesise that the two-phase particulate composite model and use of ASTM D1037 could provide a basis for systematisation. An experimental series of MBC were produced using four substrate particle sizes and subjected to compression testing. We report on their effect over Young’s modulus and ultimate strength. We extend the study by investigating three anistropic substrate designs through orientated fibre placement as a strategy for modifying compressive behaviour. We find that the two-phase particulate model is appropriate for describing the mechanical behaviour of MBC and that mechanical behaviour can be modified through anisotropic designs using orientated fibres. We also confirm that fibre orientation and particle size are significant parameters in determining ultimate strength.

General rightsCopyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights.• Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.

No abstract