Experimentation and Characterization of Mycelium-Based Biocomposites for Ephemeral Product Applications

Single-use plastics, due to their ephemeral nature, are a problem for sustainability. To overcome this difficulty, biomaterials are being created. A biocomposite based on mycelium and six different substrates has been developed to study its characteristics and possible applications in the substitution of ephemeral plastic-based products. The use of six leftovers or biological waste allows results to be compared between samples, to determine which leftovers or waste are revalued instead of being eliminated, in accordance with the principles of the circular economy (CE). Samples and specimens were developed for laboratory tests to characterize density, water absorption, and compression. All tests were carried out according to norms and standards that correspond to the plastics they can replace. Results indicate that the 6 types have very low densities, even lower than polymeric foams. They present good substrate properties in terms of compressive strength, with values similar to expanded polystyrene (EPS). In addition, all the samples are biodegradable since they do not require any type of coating, they can take a wide variety of shapes and the molds can be developed using various manufacturing techniques. Potential applications are found in the packaging industry since ephemeral containers require a certain resistance and low weight, being able to replace EPS or alveolar film. Being an inert material, it could be used in food packaging and even replace some applications of cardboard or paper pulp.