PROCEDURE TO GROW FUNGI-BASED BIODEGRADABLE INSULATING PANELS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

ABSTRACT This work tackles the development of green biocomposite insulating panels out of fungi mycelia and to replace petroleum-based foam-expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels. These biological prototypes have advantages over expanded polystyrene foam panels, since they do not pollute, they are not flammable, and they are 100% biodegradable. They have been developed growing Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mycelia on different agricultural substrates inside different types of moulds (up to 21 × 30 cm). As a result, the most suitable combinations of fungi species and agricultural substrates have been determined to grow biological insulating panels. Prototypes obtained were subjected to accelerated ageing tests to evaluate their resistance and changes in durability against water filtration and humidity changes in the event that they are used as insulating panels. Some technological properties have also been determined to evaluate their use as construction materials. The results obtained allow us to claim that biodegradable fungi-based insulating panels are viable to replace polluting foam-based insulating panels for the construction industry.