Production and Testing of Moisture Behavior and Thermal Properties of Rapeseed Straw and Ganoderma resinaceum...

This research aimed to address the growing demand for sustainable construction materials by developing mycelium bio-composites as innovative, biobased insulation. Utilizing local agricultural lignocellulosic residual by-products bound by mycelium, they offer a promising circular alternative to fossil-based materials. This manuscript is a condensed view of the Mythic project, focused on optimizing growth techniques and material properties to ensure technical feasibility. In the growth optimization phase, a novel inoculation method using reclaimed cellulose, instead of grain kernel-based inoculants, significantly improved growth speed and substrate colonization, reducing incubation times and aligning with industrial production needs. Material property optimization focused on thermal properties, fire resistance, and moisture behavior -- key attributes for insulation materials. Mycelium bio-composites achieved thermal conductivity values of 0.034-0.039 W/m·K, comparable to conventional insulators. The moisture behaviour properties are considered to be sufficient for its use as insulation. Hydrophobic properties were enhanced through a coating, improving durability in humid conditions. These innovations ensure that mycelium bio-composites meet industry benchmarks for various applications.