DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF MYCELIUM BRICKS WITH OPTIMIZED CONSTITUENT RATIOS TO MAXIMIZE STRENGTH

Abstract

The construction industry faces an urgent need for sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials which pose significant environmental challenges. This study explores the potential of mycelium bricks as an eco-friendly solution to mitigate the environmental impact of conventional brick production. The core ingredients include spawn, substrate, and additives. By optimizing constituent ratios and testing various substrates structural performance and durability of bricks is impacted. The comprehensive testing included 3 types of substrates - straw (ST), sawdust (SD), and sugarcane bagasse (SB), with Red Reishi mycelium and corn flour as additive. This research aims to maximize the strength and structural integrity of mycelium bricks by varying the constituent ratios to find the most optimized mix. The study begins with a comprehensive review of the environmental impact of traditional brick production and the potential of mycelium as a sustainable alternative. It outlines the research objectives, focusing on sustainability, integration with existing construction practices, and stakeholder convenience. Mycelium, the root network of fungi, emerges as a renewable resource with impressive strength, durability, and thermal properties, solidifying its significance in the construction industry. Methodologically, the study evaluates different spawn to substrate ratios for mycelium brick production. Key tests include growth rate, density, water absorption, and compressive strength. Results indicate variations in these parameters based on substrate type and spawn to substrate ratio. Sawdust with 0.8 spawn to substrate ratio emerges as the sample yielding the most optimal results. This mix was then compressed to enhance its structural parameters and then a comparison with traditional clay bricks was made. The compressive strength of 4.3 MPa was achieved, qualifying it for a partition brick. The study also includes numerical modeling results comparing traditional clay bricks with mycelium bricks. While challenges such as variability in growth conditions and batch inconsistencies exist, further research and collaboration with industry partners are recommended to optimize production methods, further improve parameters, and scale up mycelium production for broader application in the construction industry. Overall, mycelium has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future