Session: 16-01-01: Government Agency Student Poster Competition

Paper Number: 150046

150046 - Mycelium-Coir Based Bio-Composite Materials for Building Envelope 

There is an urgent need to find sustainable alternatives to conventional building insulation materials to combat the rising energy demands which contribute to 33% of the world’s GHG emissions. Here we focus on fungal biotechnology to produce composite materials that have the potential to supplant traditional fossil-based material like EPS in the sector of building insulation. Among various sustainable materials, bio-based insulation composites, such as those derived from mycelium, present a promising alternative. Mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, can be cultivated on agricultural waste substrates like coconut coir, turning waste into valuable insulation materials. These mycelium-based composites offer several advantages, including biodegradability, low embodied energy, and the potential to reduce GHG emission. In this study we conducted a series of experiments to first produce an ideal mycelium and coconut coir composite board and then explore its thermal, physical and mechanical properties. We carried out a preliminary surface flammability test to determine its surface resistance to fire, a surface wettability test to determine degree of hydrophobicity, a thermal conductivity test to understand insulative properties, and finally mechanical tests to characterize strength and understand composite behavior. The preliminary flammability test was performed on three materials to determine and compare the surface flammability: mycelium composite, cellulose, and EPS foam. The mycelium samples exhibited burnt areas of around 41.43% less than that of cellulose and 53.49% less than that of EPS foam under the same testing condition, respectively. No depth penetration was recorded for mycelium composite, when comparing to the notable depth penetration of cellulose (5 mm) and EPS foam (15.45mm). Water contact angle (WCA) measurements were taken to determine the surface wettability of the materials. The WCA value for the mycelium composite was approximately 133^o, suggesting it is more hydrophobic than the EPS foam (WCA of 89.2^o). The cellulose sample exhibited complete wetting (WCA of 0^o) indicating the highest wettability among the tested materials. R-value measurements were conducted on mycelium composites, basswood, plywood, drywall, and EPS boards. The mycelium board (10 in by 10 in) exhibits an R-value (US) of approximately 4.14 +- 0.83/inch. This R-value is competitive with commonly used materials such as EPS foam which when tested have an R-value of 5/inch, suggesting a competitive performance. Comparing the mycelium composite board with other building envelope components we can see that it clearly outperforms in terms of thermal resistance. Basswood was found to have an R-value of 3.332/inch, plywood was found to have an R-value of 3.82/inch and drywall was found to have an R-value of 3.294/inch. Compression tests were performed on the mycelium composites using an Instron machine. We found 0.2% yield strength values of 0.87+- 0.02 MPa and the elastic modulus values of 4.66+-0.23MPa. Thus, it can be concluded that the composite possesses comparable thermal conductivity and fire resistance when compared to existing insulation materials in the market, it also shows good hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. Overall, these results demonstrate that mycelium-coir composites are suitable alternatives to traditional building insulation materials.

Presenting Author: Gargi De Syracuse University

Presenting Author Biography: Gargi De is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing her PhD in Civil Engineering at Syracuse University. She holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Amity University, Kolkata, where she graduated with a gold medal.
Gargi's research focuses on characterization of mycelium composite materials and exploring their potential as sustainable alternatives in construction. She is actively involved in the Lab of Multiscale Material Modeling and Simulation, contributing to research on mycelium insulation blocks and composite materials for civil construction.
Her professional experience includes internships at AECOM India Pvt. Limited, where she worked on significant projects such as the Kolkata East West Metro Rail Project and a Water Supply Project. These roles provided her with extensive training in construction methodologies, structural design, and project management.
In addition to her research and professional pursuits, Gargi is dedicated to teaching and mentoring. She has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Teaching Mentor at Syracuse University, assisting in courses like Statics, Mechanics of Materials, and Fluid Mechanics. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom as she actively participates in workshops and orientation programs for new teaching assistants.
Gargi also held the position of Social Media Chair for the Student Leadership Committee of the ASME Bioengineering Division for SB3C 2023-2024, where she managed social media accounts and coordinated communications for conference participants. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences.
Her volunteer work includes participating in relief efforts in Puerto Rico and conducting STEM career workshops for underrepresented minority groups.

Authors:

Gargi De Syracuse University
Libin Yang Syracuse University
Zhao Qin Syracuse University