Composite Mycelium Material for Delamination-Resistant Strength
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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 mycelium, then bioefficiency and low environmental footprint are achieved, but mechanical qualities deteriorate with susceptibility to delamination and tearing under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mycelium with bonding agents (such as polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, or epoxy resins) to create composite materials that maintain the environmental benefits of mycelium while significantly improving mechanical strength and resistance to delamination and tearing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of mycelium through controlled growth conditions, substrate composition, and post-growth treatments to enhance structural integrity and mechanical properties while maintaining sustainability
2Reliability
If mycelium materials are grown as networks of enmeshed mycelium, then bioefficiency is achieved, but aesthetic qualities deteriorate with non-uniform appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls growth parameters such as substrate composition, moisture levels, temperature, and nutrient distribution to produce mycelium with uniform density, texture, and appearance while maintaining bioefficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different treatments or bonding agents to specific regions of the mycelium structure to achieve uniform aesthetic qualities across the entire material while preserving the bioefficient properties throughout
3Strength
If bonding agents are added to improve mechanical properties, then strength and delamination resistance improve, but material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bonding agents as intermediary substances that bridge the natural mycelium structures, providing strong adhesion between hyphae and between layers without fundamentally altering the mycelium's natural properties or requiring complex processing equipment
4Stability of the object's composition
If mycelium hyphae are entangled through needle punching or felting, then structural integrity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydroentanglement using high-pressure water jets to entangle mycelium hyphae, replacing mechanical needle punching with a hydraulic system that achieves similar structural integrity improvements with potentially simpler and more scalable equipment
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.