MyroPor – Porositätsbestimmung myzelbasierter Werkstoffe zur Beurteilung ihres Potenzials für den Einsatz als statisch beanspruchte Baumaterialien
Projektdurchführung
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule
(RWTH) Aachen
Lehrstuhl für Tragkonstruktionen
Schinkelstr. 1
52056 Aachen
Zielsetzung
The project "MycoPor Porositätsbestimmung myzelbasierter Werkstoffe zur Beurteilung ihres Potenzials für den Einsatz als tragendes Baumaterial" focuses on addressing the urgent demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the construction industry. Traditional building materials, such as concrete, steel, and synthetic insulation, have severe environmental consequences, including high carbon emissions, resource depletion, and non-recyclable waste. These issues demand innovative solutions that align with global sustainability goals and reduce the ecological footprint of construction.
This project aims to harness the potential of mycelium-based composites (MBC)—a bio-based material derived from fungal mycelium and lignocellulose substrates—as an alternative to conventional materials. Mycelium, a natural, rapidly renewable, and biodegradable resource, offers unique advantages, such as carbon sequestration during growth and low energy production requirements. Despite its promise, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the structural and mechanical properties of MBC, particularly in its application as a load-bearing material.
Under the key objectives of the project, we can mention:
• Porosity determination and optimization: develop a reproducible methodology to measure and optimize the porosity of mycelium-based materials, as porosity significantly influences their mechanical properties.
• Mechanical property testing: assess and enhance the compressive strength and elasticity of MBC to establish its feasibility for structural applications.
• Material scalability and demonstrator development: create a prototypical building product (e.g., a timber-frame wall) integrating MBC as an insulation and structural core, showcasing its practical potential.
• Environmental assessment: conduct a life-cycle assessment (LCA) to compare MBC's environmental impact with conventional construction materials and evaluate its potential as a low-carbon, sustainable alternative.
Arbeitsschritte
The project is structured into four interconnected work packages (WPs) to systematically address the objectives and advance mycelium-based composites (MBCs) as sustainable construction materials. Each WP uses state-of-the-art methods, achieving outcomes beyond current knowledge and practices, with a strong focus on sustainability and reducing ecological impact.
Work Package 1: Porosity Determination Methodology
This phase establishes a robust, reproducible method to measure porosity and density of MBCs. Non-destructive gas pycnometry with inert gases (nitrogen, helium) ensures precise density analysis. Calibration refinements eliminated systematic errors for reliable results. WP1 outputs are foundational for mechanical and material optimization in later stages, with some overlap in WP2 to ensure efficient use of resources despite delays.
Work Package 2: Fungal-Substrate Optimization
WP2 explores optimal growth conditions for fungal strains paired with locally sourced softwood substrates, replacing less sustainable hardwoods. Tests include radial growth, substrate preparation, and cultivation to identify combinations with ideal porosity and growth ratios. Project partner Gebr. Eigelshoven GmbH & Co. KG provided substrates, enabling extensive material testing. WP2 findings directly inform WP3, identifying combinations for advanced mechanical testing.
Work Package 3: Mechanical Property Testing
WP3 evaluates the mechanical properties of MBCs, such as compressive strength and elasticity, in relation to porosity. Standardized protocols (DIN EN 826) assess stress-strain behavior, guiding material applications in structural contexts. This WP highlights correlations between porosity, mechanical performance, and environmental suitability, offering insights beyond current technological standards.
Work Package 4: Demonstrator Development and Life-Cycle Assessment
WP4 scales findings into practical applications, culminating in a timber-frame wall prototype featuring MBC as a dual-purpose core material (insulator and structural bonding agent). A Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) benchmarks MBC against conventional materials, emphasizing carbon reduction and recyclability. Project partner Krings-Reinke fabricated and assembled the demonstrator while innovative cultivation techniques addressed scaling challenges.
This project advances knowledge by creating scalable, bio-based materials that combine performance and sustainability. Replacing traditional materials with MBC reduce
Ergebnisse
The project achieved its primary objectives within the adjusted timeline and budget. The team mitigated initial delays in Work Package 1 (WP1) caused by resource constraints, overlapping tasks, and adjusting the schedule. Each Work Package delivered key outcomes:
• Porosity determination (WP1): A reproducible methodology for measuring porosity and density of mycelium-based composites (MBCs) was established using gas pycnometry.
• Fungal-substrate optimization (WP2): Testing identified optimal fungal-substrate combinations, focusing on softwood substrates to reduce reliance on hardwoods.
• Mechanical property testing (WP3): Compressive strength and elasticity of MBCs were analyzed, confirming correlations with porosity. Softwood-based composites showed potential for load-bearing applications.
• Demonstrator development and life-cycle assessment (WP4): A timber-frame wall prototype using MBC as a core material was completed. The life-cycle assessment (LCA) quantified MBC's environmental benefits.
Regarding environmental impact, the project demonstrated measurable benefits:
• Carbon reduction: MBC production sequestered carbon, achieving a global warming potential (GWP) of -5.04E+02 kgCO2Eq in the product stage (A1-3), compared to positive GWP values of conventional materials.
• Material substitution: MBC replaced high-CO2 materials, reducing the construction sector's environmental footprint.
• Resource utilization: Cultivation of mycelium on softwood waste substrates enhanced efficiency, minimizing reliance on virgin resources.
Economic and Legal Considerations
• Economic analysis: Pre-fabrication techniques for MBC components reduced labor and waste. However, the economic viability needs further investigation to scale up production to an industrial level, as all scaling up during the project occurred under controlled laboratory conditions.
• Legal framework: The project met EU sustainability targets and exceeded current legal requirements as it addressed future climate-neutral practices.
The ecological and economic evaluations indicate MBC as a viable alternative to conventional materials:
• Ecological impact: Low energy demand and recyclability contribute to reducing construction's environmental footprint.
• Economic viability: While efficient pre-fabrication methods demonstrated feasibility in laboratory conditions, further studies are necessary to determine cost-effectiveness and practicality for industrial-scale production.
Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
The project results have been submitted to peer-reviewed platforms for dissemination. A paper based on the project passed initial peer review. It will be published by Taylor & Francis as part of the book proceedings for the 6th International Conference on Structures and Architecture (ICSA2025), titled "REstructure REmaterialize REthink REuse." This conference will be held from July 8-11, 2025, in Antwerp, Belgium. The full paper is under a second peer review.
Results from WP4 regarding the LCA Benchmarking have been submitted as an abstract to the Sustainable Built Environment Conference (SBE25), themed "Shaping Tomorrow: Systems Thinking in the Built Environment," to be held at ETH Zurich, June 25-27, 2025. The full paper will undergo further peer review if the abstract is accepted.
Dissemination efforts include publishing updates and results on the Trako website and sharing through social media platforms to engage broader audiences. Plans involve identifying locations to exhibit the demonstrator, exploring trade fairs, and fostering industry partnerships to maximize stakeholder engagement.
Fazit
The project achieved its objectives by developing reproducible methodologies for porosity analysis and identifying optimal fungal-substrate combinations, including softwood-based substrates. Mechanical testing confirmed MBC's viability for load-bearing applications under specific conditions, and the prototype demonstrated practical feasibility. Life-cycle assessment highlighted significant environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration and reduced resource consumption.
Notably, findings on poplar as a substrate present a great opportunity due to its rapid growth rate, with trees ready for harvest after three years. This characteristic aligns well with the project's sustainability goals and offers a promising option for large-scale production.
However, scaling up production beyond laboratory conditions remains a challenge. The economic feasibility of industrial-scale MBC production requires further investigation, particularly addressing contamination risks and maintaining environmental controls. Collaboration with industry partners and process standardization will be essential for future implementation.
Alternative approaches may include enhancing substrate consistency and developing cultivation systems to improve scalability and cost-efficiency. The project lays a foundation for advancing MBC research, with the potential to replace high-carbon materials and contribute to sustainable construction practices.