Mycelium-composite panels for atmospheric particulate matter adsorption

Abstract

Abstract Mycelium composites grow in a symbiotic relationship with the substrate forming entangled networks of branching fibers. The structure of mycelium resembles filter sheets used in air filtration systems. Owing to their porous character, mycelium composites have been studied and developed as sound absorbent materials, insulation materials, and fire-resistant materials. Herein, we investigated the potential utilization of the filter-like, porous characteristics of mycelium for adsorbing atmospheric particulate matter (PM). First, we compared the PM adsorption performance of mycelium composites grown on four different substrates (hemp, rice straw, lacquer tree wood chips, and oak wood chips) with a widely used architectural exterior material, a stone panel (Pocheon granite). Second, we examined the micro-morphology of the mycelium composite panel surfaces by capturing images at 200x and 1000x using scanning electron microscopy. Third, we examined the water absorption rate of the mycelium composite panels with different substrates. The PM adsorption performance of the mycelium composites were superior to that of the Pocheon granite. The PM adsorption performance of the mycelium composite panels varied depending on the type of the substrate. However, the relationship between the micro-morphology of the surface and the PM adsorption performance could not be defined. We also observed that the mycelium composite panels with the higher PM adsorption performance exhibited a higher rate of water absorption. This study shows that mycelium composite panels have potential to be developed as atmospheric PM adsorbing material.