A REVIEW OF MYCELIUM-BASED BIO-COMPOSITES AND THEIR POSSIBLE APPLICATION IN ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

Construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources, and so faces enormous difficulties in reducing the environmental impact of existing consumption habits. Growing industry demand for biodegradable or alternative materials and products derived from renewable resources, has recently prompted researchers from diverse fields to work in this area. They are working to find sustainable alternatives and develop natural bio-composites to replace various petroleum-based products in the interest of the environment. One such bio-composite derived from mycelium can provide a renewable and biodegradable alternative to conventional building materials. Mycelium, the fibrous root system of fungi, grows on organic substrates under controlled environmental conditions to produce these biomaterials. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research and applications of mycelium-based materials in the field of architecture.