Composite Mycelium Material with Bonding Agent to Reduce Delamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mycelium materials exhibit poor mechanical and non-uniform aesthetic qualities, including susceptibility to delamination and tearing under stress, and lack consistent aesthetic properties.
Innovation Solution
Development of composite mycelium materials comprising cultivated mycelium with disrupted branching hyphae and a bonding agent, such as vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, along with entangling methods like hydroentangling and the use of supporting materials like cheesecloth or fabrics, to enhance mechanical properties and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mycelium materials are grown as networks of enmeshed hyphae, then they exhibit bioefficiency and low environmental footprint, but they have poor mechanical qualities including susceptibility to delamination and tearing under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining mycelium with various reinforcing elements including particles, fibers, networks of fibers, solid matrix bonding agents, and nonwoven lamina. This creates a composite structure where the mycelium network is integrated with additional materials to enhance mechanical strength and resistance to delamination and tearing while maintaining the bioefficiency and environmental benefits of mycelium.
2Reliability
If mycelium materials are grown as networks of enmeshed hyphae, then they exhibit bioefficiency and low environmental footprint, but they have non-uniform aesthetic qualities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating particles, fibers, and other additives into the mycelium network to create specific local aesthetic properties. These additives can be distributed throughout the material or concentrated in specific regions to achieve desired aesthetic effects while maintaining uniformity through controlled incorporation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses non-uniform aesthetic qualities by using homogenization processes and uniform distribution methods for incorporating particles, fibers, and other additives into the mycelium network. This ensures consistent aesthetic properties throughout the material while preserving the natural appearance and texture of the mycelium structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite mycelium materials demonstrate improved mechanical properties like wet tensile strength, initial modulus, and slit tear strength, while achieving uniform aesthetic qualities and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the bonding agent comprises one or more reactive groups. In some embodiments, the one or more reactive groups react with active hydrogen containing groups. In some embodiments, the active hydrogen containing groups comprise amine, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups.
Implementation Method 2
the one or more masses of branching hyphae are entangled, wherein the entangling the hyphae comprises needle punching, felting, or hydroentangling. In some embodiments, the entangling hyphae are hydroentangled.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are mycelium materials and methods for production thereof. In some embodiments, a mycelium material includes: a cultivated mycelium material including one or more masses of branching hyphae, wherein the one or more masses of branching hyphae may be disrupted or pressed and/or a bonding agent may be combined with the cultivated mycelium material. Methods of producing a mycelium material are also provided.