Influence of drying heat treatments on the mechanical behavior and physico-chemical properties of mycelial biocomposite

The manufacture of mycelial matrix biocomposite and vegetable reinforcement involves control of the substrate proportion, choice of isolate and drying conditions. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of different drying heat treatments on the mechanical, physical, chemical and thermal responses of the biocomposite composed by the fungal isolate Pycnoporus sanguineus associated with coconut powder and wheat bran. The mycelium grew randomly on the substrate, degraded it and acted as a binder between the particles. In addition, a dense and compact mycelial network was formed on the surface. The time and temperature significantly affected physical, mechanical properties and microstructure of the biocomposite. Overall, a lightweight biocomposite was obtained with a compressive strength between 134 and 200 kPa.