Production and Testing of Moisture Behavior and Thermal Properties of Rapeseed Straw and Ganoderma resinaceum Mycelium Bio-Composites

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.