The global bio-hazardous waste generation has prompted research towards developing advanced biocompatible and sustainable materials. Mycelium-based biocomposites have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional synthetic foam materials, offering biodegradability and recyclability with diverse applicability including thermal and acoustic insulation, packaging, and green construction. This study focuses on a novel biocomposite that forms by growth of a dense matrix of Pleurotus eryngii mycelium within a substrate made of shredded leaf sheaths of date palm as reinforcement fibers. A detailed fabrication protocol was developed, and the compressive and flexural characteristics of the biocomposite were measured. Three cylindrical specimens with identical composition but different pre-loads were fabricated to investigate the effects of pre-loading on the compressive properties. Results indicated a range of compressive strength from 0.34 to 4.55 MPa depending on the level of pre-loading, with higher pre-pressure leading to the improved compressive properties without significant increase of the apparent density. Moreover, two prismatic specimens featuring different fiber sizes were tested to assess the flexural properties. Results indicated that the specimen with small fibers exhibited superior flexural strength and modulus of 21.9 kPa and 2.98 MPa, respectively, in comparison with 11.7 and 1.29 MPa obtained for the large-fiber specimen. Depending on the fabrication conditions, the physical and mechanical characteristics of this biological composite foam can be adjusted for a particular application.

Keywords