Innovative Building Material: Myocrete from Mushrooms
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Myocrete
Recent advancements in sustainable building materials have led to fascinating discoveries. An English research team is exploring the potential of mushrooms as a viable construction material.
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Section 1.1: The Science Behind Myocrete
Myocrete is a unique form of concrete derived from mycelium, the intricate root system of fungi, combined with traditional concrete elements. Developed by researchers at Newcastle University, this innovative material incorporates mycelium that feeds on added grains, along with a blend of paper powder, paper fiber clumps, water, glycerin, and xanthan gum to enhance its volume.
To foster growth, mycelium requires a dark, humid, and warm environment. Under these conditions, the densely packed filamentous cells of mycelium transform the paste into a solid three-dimensional structure. Before the mycelium can produce mushrooms, it is dried to halt further growth.
Subsection 1.1.1: Forming Shapes with Knitting
Photo by Phoenix Han on Unsplash
To create specific shapes, Myocrete requires a formwork. Jane Scott's team has ingeniously utilized knitted textiles for this purpose. “Knitting is an incredibly versatile 3D manufacturing system,” Scott states. This technique allows for optimal oxygen flow necessary for mycelium growth while being lightweight and adaptable. Furthermore, knitting enables the creation of 3D structures seamlessly, minimizing waste.
Section 1.2: The Bioknit Dome
Utilizing a knitted form made from Myocrete, the team successfully constructed a freestanding dome known as Bioknit. This structure was knitted from sterilized Merino wool, which was then attached to a sturdy frame and filled with the paste. The paste needed to have the right consistency—runny enough for injection into the mold but firm enough to maintain its shape.
Chapter 2: Results and Implications
Research indicates that Myocrete exhibits remarkable stability compared to other experimental mycelium-based materials, shrinking less during the drying process, as noted in the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
The first video titled "Part One: Mycelium-Based Composites - Using Fungi as Building Materials" delves into the science and applications of mycelium in construction, showcasing its potential benefits and innovative uses.
The second video, "This mushroom brick could replace concrete," explores how Myocrete may serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials, emphasizing its sustainability and performance.
In conclusion, Scott envisions the integration of mycelium with other biological materials, such as wool, sawdust, and cellulose, to enhance the aesthetics and comfort of architectural environments. Myocrete may represent a cost-effective, environmentally friendly substitute for conventional materials like foam, wood, and plastics.