Bio-Based Mycelium Materials for Aerospace Applications

Abstract

Motivated by the growing need for sustainable material options, this research focuses on exploring bio-based composite materials made from the mycelium of fungi, which can offer a zero-waste, circular materials solution. It explores how mycelium composite materials can be formed by fungi that can digest a range of carbon-containing wastes created within the aerospace industry, and convert them into useful materials for a variety of applications with the aim to significantly reduce the environmental impact of non-structural aerospace materials. By careful selection of the fungi species, control of the feedstock, growing conditions and integration with other materials, the resulting bio-based composite material can be tailored to a specific application, such as low-density insulation for use within the aircraft cabin with stiffened parts based on generative designs. In addition, a range of possible aerospace wastes and applications were considered where fungi could provide a safe and circular remediation solution, such as oils, urethane foam and other carbon-containing materials. This research aims to leverage the development and adoption of bio-based, waste-digesting mycelium materials for non-structural aerospace applications, and aid efforts to reduce the future environmental impact of aerospace industry materials.