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Bio-Based Mycelium Materials for Aerospace Applications

SONIA TRAVAGLINI, PATRICIA P. PARLEVLIET, C. K. H. DHARAN

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.


DOI
10.12783/asc34/31327

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