Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mycelium-based Insulation Materials Produced from Desilicated Wheat Straws - Part A

Abstract

Mycelium-based insulation materials made from lignocellulosic resources have the potential to replace petroleum-based foams. In this study, desilicated wheat straw was inoculated with Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Ganoderma lucidum (GL) fungi and incubated for 10, 20, and 30 days to produce mycelium-based insulation boards. The process of extracting silica from wheat stalks was conducted using a 1% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution prior to the production of mycelium-based insulation boards. Density, water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength perpendicular to the surface (Internal bonding test), and compressive strength of the mycelium insulation boards were measured. The results showed that mycelium-based insulation boards produced with GL had better physical and mechanical properties than those produced with PO. Furthermore, pretreatment of wheat straw with 1% NaOH improved the mechanical properties of the insulation boards produced.