Mycomerge: Fabrication of Mycelium-Based Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites on a Rattan Framework

Abstract

There is an essential need for a change in the way we build our physical environment. To prevent our ecosystems from collapsing, raising awareness of already available bio-based materials is vital. Mycelium, a living fungal organism, has the potential to replace conventional materials, having the ability to act as a binding agent of various natural fibers, such as hemp, flax, or other agricultural waste products. This study aims to showcase mycelium’s load-bearing capacities when reinforced with bio-based materials and specifically natural fibers, in an alternative merging design approach. Counteracting the usual fabrication techniques, the proposed design method aims to guide mycelium’s growth on a natural rattan framework that serves as a supportive structure for the mycelium substrate and its fiber reinforcement. The rattan skeleton is integrated into the finished composite product, where both components merge, forming a fully biodegradable unit. Using digital form-finding tools, the geometry of a compressive structure is computed. The occurring multi-layer biobased component can support a load beyond 20 times its own weight. An initial physical prototype in furniture scale is realized. Further applications in architectural scale are studied and proposed.

Mycelium Composites for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries: The Case for Africa

“…Lignocellulosic agricultural waste, agro-industrial by-products, and forestry residues are the most abundant biomass reserves and they have already been used in experimental and commercial mycelium composite production. [4,20,21,38,40,47,55,58,71,[81][82][83][84][85] Yet, lower densities (and strengths) have been recorded for mycelium composites based on lignocelluloses. [1] This is because their complex and stable structure requires a concentrated amount of enzymes by fungi to effectively decompose them into easily assimilable simple sugars, resulting in lower bioconversion yields.…”

“…Moreover, these species have already been extensively utilized in the production of mycelium composites, indicating a substantial body of research supporting their suitability for this technology. [8,21,38,83,85,116]…”

Mycostructures—growth-driven fabrication processes for architectural elements from mycelium composites

“…The traces of ratan orientation are well visible on the exterior of the piece. The resulting test-component in form of a funicular stool was able to withstand 20 times it weight without visible deformation [21]. The Students of Kansas State University developed the 2-m tall column from MCB casted inside the exosceleton weaved using basket-making techniques.…”

Material, Functional, and Aesthetic Solutions for Urban Furniture in Public Spaces

“…Avila et al [28] and Premier et al [29] put stress on forward-looking solar furniture with light and heat sensors, lighting, which, thanks to its solar cells, is able to generate clean and sustainable energy. In recent years, furniture made from biological raw materials derived from various agricultural products and generated waste has also appeared on the market [30][31][32][33][34].…”