Name: Production and Testing of Moisture Behavior and Thermal Properties of Rapeseed Straw and Ganoderma resinaceum Mycelium Bio-Composites (Video) | JoVE Journal
Uploaded: 2025-09-05T12:30:00.000+00:00
Duration: 9 min 39 s
Description: Learn to produce and test mycelium biocomposites using Ganoderma resinaceum and rapeseed straw for sustainable construction insulation. This protocol ensures repeatable thermal and moisture performance assessment.

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5 minutes

Mythic was a publicly funded research project supported by SIA Regio-orgaan and conducted as a consortium. All project outcomes are fully aligned with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). Sincere gratitude to the following partners for their invaluable contributions, expertise, and collaboration throughout the project. In alphabetical order: 
Agrodome B.V., Fred van den Burgh; 
Avans University of Applied Sciences - Caradt, Simone van de Broek 
FRAAi Architechten, Lydia Fraaije 
HZ University of Applied Sciences, Lennart Zoeter 
Impershield Europe B.V., Willem Kemmers 
Mogu S.R.L ., Annalisa Moro 
N&#253;lausn, H&#246;r&#240;ur Sveinsson 
Recell B.V., Yme Flapper 
Troldtekt B.V., Janine van Cann 
Utrecht University, Dr. J.F. (Jordi) Pelkmans and Prof. dr. H.A.B. (Han) W&#246;sten 
Verbruggen-paddestoelen B.V., John Verbruggen
Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in the development and success of this research.

<ol><li><a target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&safe=off&q=%22Global+Status+Report+for+Buildings+and+Construction%3A+Beyond+foundations+-+Mainstreaming+sustainable+solutions+to+cut+emissions+from+the+buildings+sector%22">Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction: Beyond foundations - Mainstreaming sustainable solutions to cut emissions from the buildings sector</a>. , United Nations Environment Programme. (2024).</li>
<li>Waste Statistics. , Eurostat. At
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Waste_statistics#Data_sources">https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Waste_statistics#Data_sources</a> (2025).</li>
<li>Zhao, J. R., Zheng, R., Tang, J., Sun, H. J., Wang, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((A+mini-review+on+building+insulation+materials+from+perspective+of+plastic+pollution%3A+Current+issues+and+natural+fibres+as+a+possible+solution%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Hazard+Mater%22%5BJournal%5D)">A mini-review on building insulation materials from perspective of plastic pollution: Current issues and natural fibres as a possible solution.</a> J Hazard Mater. 438, 129449(2022).</li>
<li>Torres-Regalado, P., Santiago-Calvo, M., Gimeno, J., Rodríguez-Pérez, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Thermal+conductivity+aging+and+mechanical+properties+of+polyisocyanurate+%28pir%29+foams+produced+with+different+contents+of+HFO%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Appl+Polym+Sci%22%5BJournal%5D)">Thermal conductivity aging and mechanical properties of polyisocyanurate (pir) foams produced with different contents of HFO.</a> J Appl Polym Sci. 140 (40), e54504(2023).</li>
<li>Livne, A., WoSten, H. A., Pearlmutter, D., Gal, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Fungal+mycelium+bio-composite+acts+as+a+co2-sink+building+material+with+low+embodied+energy%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22ACS+Sustainable+Chem+Eng%22%5BJournal%5D)">Fungal mycelium bio-composite acts as a co2-sink building material with low embodied energy.</a> ACS Sustainable Chem Eng. 10 (37), 12099-12106 (2022).</li>
<li>Elsacker, E., Vandelook, S., Brancart, J., Peeters, E., De Laet, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Mechanical%2C+physical+and+chemical+characterisation+of+mycelium-based+composites+with+different+types+of+lignocellulosic+substrates%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22PLoS+One%22%5BJournal%5D)">Mechanical, physical and chemical characterisation of mycelium-based composites with different types of lignocellulosic substrates.</a> PLoS One. 14 (7), e0213954(2019).</li>
<li>Appels, F. V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Fabrication+factors+influencing+mechanical%2C+moisture-and+water-related+properties+of+mycelium-based+composites%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Mater+Des%22%5BJournal%5D)">Fabrication factors influencing mechanical, moisture-and water-related properties of mycelium-based composites.</a> Mater Des. 161, 64-71 (2019).</li>
<li>Girometta, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Physico-mechanical+and+thermodynamic+properties+of+mycelium-based+biocomposites%3A+A+review%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Sustainability%22%5BJournal%5D)">Physico-mechanical and thermodynamic properties of mycelium-based biocomposites: A review.</a> Sustainability. 11 (1), 281(2019).</li>
<li>Attias, N., Danai, O., Ezov, N., Tarazi, E., Grobman, Y. J. Developing novel applications of mycelium based bio-composite materials for design and architecture. <a target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&safe=off&q=author%3aAttias%2C+N+%22Proceedings+of+Building+With+Biobased+Materials%3A+Best+Practice+and+Performance+Specification%22">Proceedings of Building With Biobased Materials: Best Practice and Performance Specification</a>. , Zagreb, Croatia. (2017).</li>
<li>Jones, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Thermal+degradation+and+fire+properties+of+fungal+mycelium+and+mycelium-biomass+composite+materials%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Sci+Rep%22%5BJournal%5D)">Thermal degradation and fire properties of fungal mycelium and mycelium-biomass composite materials.</a> Sci Rep. 8 (1), 17583(2018).</li>
<li>Elsacker, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((A+comprehensive+framework+for+the+production+of+mycelium-based+lignocellulosic+composites%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Sci+Tot+Environ%22%5BJournal%5D)">A comprehensive framework for the production of mycelium-based lignocellulosic composites.</a> Sci Tot Environ. 725, 138431(2020).</li>
<li>Hartley, K., Schülzchen, S., Bakker, C. A., Kirchherr, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((A+policy+framework+for+the+circular+economy%3A+Lessons+from+the+EU%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Clean+Prod%22%5BJournal%5D)">A policy framework for the circular economy: Lessons from the EU.</a> J Clean Prod. 412, 137176(2023).</li>
<li>Thermal Insulation - Determination of Steady-State Thermal Resistance and Related Properties - Heat Flow Meter Apparatus. ISO 8301:1991. , ISO. at
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iso.org/standard/15421.html">https://www.iso.org/standard/15421.html</a> (1991).</li>
<li>Hygrothermal Performance of Building Materials and Products - Determination of Moisture Adsorption/Desorption Properties in Response to Periodic Temperature Variation. ISO 23327:2021. , ISO. at
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iso.org/standard/75239.html">https://www.iso.org/standard/75239.html</a> (2021).</li>
<li>Cellular Plastics - Determination of Compression Properties. ISO 844:2021. , ISO. at
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iso.org/standard/73560.html">https://www.iso.org/standard/73560.html</a> (2021).</li>
<li>Standard Test Method for Corona-Treated Polymer Films Using Water Contact Angle Measurements. ASTM D5946-17. , ASTM International. at
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.astm.org/d5946-17.html">https://www.astm.org/d5946-17.html</a> (2017).</li>
<li>Houette, T., Maurer, C., Niewiarowski, R., Gruber, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Growth+and+mechanical+characterization+of+mycelium-based+composites+towards+future+bioremediation+and+food+production+in+the+material+manufacturing+cycle%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Biomimetics%22%5BJournal%5D)">Growth and mechanical characterization of mycelium-based composites towards future bioremediation and food production in the material manufacturing cycle.</a> Biomimetics. 7 (3), 103(2022).</li>
</ol>

The authors declare no conflicts of interest and have no relevant disclosures.

A key step in the development of MBCs is the preparation of spawn, which must be performed under strict sterile conditions by a trained laboratory technician. This process is sensitive to contamination and requires a high level of skill in aseptic techniques. Proper training in biological safety and laboratory handling is essential, as the quality of the spawn directly affects the colonization efficiency and homogeneity of the final material. The entire spawn preparation should be completed in a single session to maintai...

In 2022, the construction industry was responsible for 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions and generated 38.4% of the total waste in the European Union1,2. A significant portion of this impact comes from the production and disposal of conventional insulation materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams. These materials are petrochemical-based, energy-intensive to produce, and present long-term environmental risks due to poor biodegradability and high embodied carbon3,4.
To address these challenges, the current study presents an optimized methodology for producing mycelium-based composites (MBCs) for thermal insulation applications. The primary goal of this method is to establish a reproducible, lab-scale approach that can be scaled to industrial contexts, using Ganoderma resinaceum (GR) grown on rapeseed straw (RS). This technique is designed to generate a fully biobased, carbon-negative insulation material with competitive thermal and moisture-regulating properties.
MBCs offer compelling advantages over conventional insulation. They are produced from agricultural waste, require minimal energy input, act as a carbon sink during their lifespan, and decompose naturally at the end-of-life stage, making them a strong candidate for circular building systems5,6. Compared to other biobased alternatives like cellulose or hempcrete, MBCs uniquely combine low thermal conductivity with structural cohesion and hydrophobic tuning, which can be achieved via growth control and post-processing techniques7,8.
The broader literature increasingly supports the relevance of MBCs. Reviews and empirical studies highlight their suitability for thermal and acoustic insulation, their adaptability to different substrate-fungus pairings, and their potential for modular or in-situ production at architectural scales6,9,10. For example, GR-RS MBCs tested under controlled conditions demonstrated a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.045 W/m&#183;K, a specific heat capacity of 1800 J/kg&#183;K, and a compressive strength of up to 0.5 MPa, indicating performance levels suitable for non-load-bearing insulation panels in walls and roofs6,7,8. Furthermore, biomimetic approaches have emerged, framing MBCs as responsive design materials in architectural research11. However, ensuring mechanical consistency and durability across scales remains an active research area12.
MNEXT launched the Mythic project -- Mycelium materials (Mytherials) for thermal insulation in construction. This initiative expands on prior findings that GR and RS form a promising combination for MBC development, focusing on refining growth conditions, material testing according to ISO standards relevant to the insulation application, and evaluating economic and user acceptance parameters for future upscaling.
This technique is particularly relevant for researchers, architects, and manufacturers exploring low-impact building materials with a circular life cycle. The method focuses on insulation applications in walls, roofs, and floors, where low density, thermal regulation, and moisture behaviour are crucial. Key contextual factors include local availability of substrates and fungal species, the scalability of the inoculation and growth process, and compliance with building performance standards. The methodology includes evaluation of thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, moisture response, and water repellence, enabling users to assess its applicability based on environmental conditions and regulatory requirements.
This manuscript presents the outcomes of that work: a lab-scale yet scalable method for producing GR-RS MBCs, including optimized growth parameters and material testing protocols. While GR-RS is the focus, the protocol is adaptable to other fungal species and substrates, making it relevant for varied geographies and feedstock availability. Although the method is effective at a laboratory or pilot scale, further adaptations may be necessary for large-scale implementation to ensure consistency and cost-efficiency.

<table><tbody><tr><td>1 L Erlenmeyer flask</td><td>Glazen-en-potten.nl</td><td>GT00148</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1 L Measuring cylinder</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>213905408</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>50 mL Measuring cylinder</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>Z740856</td><td>Aldrich Essentials graduated cylinder, class A, meets DIN ISO 4788</td></tr><tr><td>70% ethanol</td><td>Boomlab</td><td>8,00,12,02,72,500</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Autoclavable bag</td><td>SacO2</td><td>PPD75/REH6/V37*53</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Autoclave</td><td>VWR</td><td>TUTT210001</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Autoclave tape</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>BR61750</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bag sealer</td><td>Profipack</td><td>101481</td><td>Model HC-300</td></tr><tr><td>Calibration standard Netzsch EPS 200 mm</td><td>Netzsch</td><td>HFM446S0A95.001-00</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cellulose</td><td>Recell</td><td>https://recell.eu/markets/#recell-compose&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Delivered by a project partner</td></tr><tr><td>Ganoderma resinaceum</td><td>Westerdijk Instituut</td><td>CBS 194.76</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Heat flow meter (HFM)</td><td>Netzsch</td><td>https://analyzing-testing.netzsch.com/en/products/thermal-conductivity/hfm-446-lambda-eco-line-1&amp;nbsp;</td><td>HFM 446 Lambda Small Eco-line</td></tr><tr><td>Heated stirring device</td><td>Labinco</td><td>32000</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Horizon software</td><td>Horizon Software</td><td>https://www.tiniusolsen.com/product/horizon-software/&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Software for operating UTM&amp;nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Hydrophobic coating</td><td>Impershield Europe</td><td>https://impershield.eu/product/bioseal-mycelium/&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Impershield BioSeal Mycelium</td></tr><tr><td>ImageJ</td><td>ImageJ</td><td>https://imagej.net/ij/&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Software for processing images</td></tr><tr><td>Inoculation loops</td><td>VWR</td><td>DIFC220217</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Kitchen stick-blender</td><td>Bosch</td><td>MSM6M810</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Lab blender</td><td>Labowebshop</td><td>AXMX1000XTEES</td><td>2L Waring lab blender</td></tr><tr><td>Laminar airflow hood (LAF)</td><td>MSE Supplies</td><td>LS1309</td><td>MSE PRO 43&amp;rdquo; Width Horizontal Laminar Flow Cabinet</td></tr><tr><td>Level</td><td>Manutan</td><td>A830619</td><td>waterpas - I-beam basic - Stanley</td></tr><tr><td>Malt extract broth powder</td><td>BoomLab</td><td>7,00,00,05,90,500</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Medicarine</td><td>Ecolab</td><td>3021760</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Micropipette</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>FA10006M</td><td>PIPETMAN P1000L Micropipette Metal eject</td></tr><tr><td>Perforated foil</td><td>Scabro</td><td>414075</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Proteus SmartMode 8.5</td><td>Netzsch</td><td>https://analyzing-testing.netzsch.com/en/products/thermal-conductivity/hfm-446-lambda-eco-line-1&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Software for operating HFM</td></tr><tr><td>Scale</td><td>VEVOR</td><td>https://www.vevor.nl/analytische-balans-c_11079/vevor-digitale-laboratoriumweegschaal-laboratorium-analytische-weegschalen-5000g-p_010521620455?lang=en&amp;amp;srsltid=AfmBOopchyZ-medHCTmpdHiqjXOtvV7xCOdhXZ&lt;br/&gt; VIKi9LowzUk6ibehSx&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Model HZ-B50002</td></tr><tr><td>Substrate&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Greenport West-Holland</td><td>-</td><td>Rapeseed straw delivered by project partner.&amp;nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Universal testing machine (UTM)</td><td>Tinius Olsen</td><td>https://www.tiniusolsen.com/product/model-50st/</td><td>Model 50ST</td></tr><tr><td>Vernier caliper</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>Z136115</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

production and testing of moisture behavior and thermal properties of rapeseed straw and ganoderma resinaceum mycelium bio-composites

Production and Testing of Moisture Behavior and Thermal Properties of Rapeseed Straw and Ganoderma resinaceum Mycelium Bio-Composites

This research aimed to address the growing demand for sustainable construction materials by developing mycelium bio-composites as innovative, biobased insulation. Utilizing local agricultural lignocellulosic residual by-products bound by mycelium, they offer a promising circular alternative to fossil-based materials. This manuscript is a condensed view of the Mythic project, focused on optimizing growth techniques and material properties to ensure technical feasibility.
In the growth optimization phase, a novel inoculation method using reclaimed cellulose, instead of grain kernel-based inoculants, significantly improved growth speed and substrate colonization, reducing incubation times and aligning with industrial production needs.
Material property optimization focused on thermal properties, fire resistance, and moisture behavior -- key attributes for insulation materials. Mycelium bio-composites achieved thermal conductivity values of 0.034-0.039 W/m&#183;K, comparable to conventional insulators. The moisture behaviour properties are considered to be sufficient for its use as insulation. Hydrophobic properties were enhanced through a coating, improving durability in humid conditions. These innovations ensure that mycelium bio-composites meet industry benchmarks for various applications.

MBC production 
The MBC should be mostly white on the surface. The sample should resemble the structure, colour, and homogeneity of the samples in Figure 4 and Figure 5.
<img alt="Square stone texture, beige color, rough surface, building material sample, masonry concept." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/68375/68375fig4.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1783396841000" data-al...

Here, we present an optimized methodology for producing mycelium-based composites (MBCs) from petrochemicals and polluting materials for thermal insulation applications. To become carbon-neutral and sustainable, biobased and compostable materials like mycelium bio-composite could be the solution. To determine if they meet the construction standards, several experiments were conducted.

This research aimed to address the growing demand for sustainable construction materials by developing mycelium bio-composites as innovative, biobased ...

Our research aims to integrate mycelium biocomposites into the construction industry by developing materials that are competitive with the current conventional options. We address performance, durability, and applicability. The protocol addresses the gap in ensuring correct production and testing of mycelium biocomposites in alignment with the construction industry standards, with a focus on achieving repeatable and homogenous experimental results.The material shows performance comparable to conventional construction materials, especially in terms of insulation, highlighting its promise. The next challenge is addressing durability and end-of-life management. The latter, a novel consideration for bio-based construction materials.Our focus will remain on mycelium construction materials, and in the future, also focus on pure mycelium materials, looking at the intrinsic values of fungal species, as well as in mycelium biocomposites. We also look into automation for the industrial scape. To begin, use a sterile inoculation loop to cut a fully colonized 100 millimeter diameter Petri dish of ganoderma resinaceum medium into four equal sections.Transfer two sections of the colonized medium to a sterile laboratory blender cup. Add 50 milliliters of malt extract broth to the cup and mix it with the mycelium on agar. Then pour the inoculated broth mixture into the bag containing autoclave, cellulose and water.Massage the contents of the bag manually for two minutes to ensure even mixing. Now set the climate chamber to 30 degrees Celsius and 80%relative humidity, and transfer the inoculated bag to the climate chamber for five days. For substrate preparation, place an empty bowl or bucket on a scale and tare it.Then transfer the substrate into the bucket and record its weight. Next, weigh demineralized water in a 1.65 to one ratio relative to the substrate. Mix the substrate and water thoroughly with the hands.Use a cement mixer for handling larger quantities of substrate. Then place the hydrated substrate mixture into autoclavable bags. Place the bags in an autoclave, and run a cycle at 121 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes.For substrate inoculation, using a scale, weigh the spawn to be 10%of the total wet weight of the substrate and water. Pour the weighed spawn into the bag containing the sterilized substrate. Then seal the bag using a heat sealer or tape, and shake or massage the bag gently for two minutes to distribute the spawn evenly.For molding, weigh the mold on the scale. Fill it with the inoculated substrate, and spread it evenly to create a flat surface. Afterward, cover the mold with perforated foil and secure it in place with tape.Place the filled and covered molds in a climate chamber set to 25 degrees Celsius and 80%relative humidity for seven days. After approximately seven days of growth, carefully remove the sample from the mold. Place it on baking paper in an oven set to 65 degrees Celsius for 24 hours to absorb moisture and prevent sticking.After calibrating the heat flow meter software, input the basic data and specimen description into the software. Set the upper and lower plate temperature as required. Then place the mycelium-based composite sample in the heat flow meter, and close the door.Select the previously performed calibration. Then left-click to tick the load set point at 2.1 kilopascal, and click the start button to initiate the test. To measure specific heat capacity, place the mycelium-based composite sample inside the heat flow meter, and close the door securely.Set the values specified in the set point table. And select the previously performed empty stack calibration. Left-click to tick the load set point at 2.1 kilopascal.Then click the start button. For moisture absorption and desorption analysis, prepare a water box filled to one quarter of its height with water. Use three strips of plastic tape to suspend the mycelium-based composite sample above the water without touching it.Then measure the sample using a vernier caliper. At specified intervals of zero, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours, remove the sample from the water box. Weigh it on a scale, and measure its dimensions quickly to minimize moisture loss.After each measurement, return the sample to the water box and close the lid. After 48 hours, take the sample out of the water box, and place it in a climate chamber set at 25 degrees Celsius and 40%relative humidity. For compressive strength measurements, use a vernier caliper to measure the dimensions of the mycelium-based composite sample following standard procedure.Place the sample in the universal testing machine, positioning it centered above the lower compression plate. Then turn on the universal testing machine, and start the operating software to ensure proper connection. In the software, search for ISO 29469 using the search tool.Right-click the listed standard, and press Edit Method to proceed. Press the Start Experiment button in the universal testing machine software to start the compression test. To condition fresh samples, suspend them in the water box for 24 hours as previously described.Transfer unused humid samples to an oven set to 50 degrees Celsius with fan ventilation for 12 hours. To assess water repellents, add nine milliliters of water with one milliliter of blue dye in a 20 milliliter Erlenmeyer, and mix thoroughly. Then using a thin felt-tip pen, divide the surface of the mycelium-based composite sample into four quadrants.Using a micropipette, measure 100 microliters of the dyed water. Place one droplet on a flat surface in each of the four quadrants. Using a tripod-held camera, aligned at eye level with the top surface of the sample, take a photograph of each droplet.Samples that passed visual inspection showed a white uniform surface with smooth texture and no discoloration or flaking, matching the expected appearance for adequately grown mycelium-based composites. Visibly non-adequate mycelium-based composite samples exhibited signs of contamination, including multicolored surface patches such as green, black, yellow, and blue, as well as areas with uneven texture, and flaky or overgrown regions. A third example of poor quality MBC showed a loosely packed structure with visible straw particles and incomplete mycelium coverage.The average thermal conductivity of the samples remained consistently low at 0.0367 watts per meter Kelvin, confirming adequate insulation properties. The average compressive strength was highest in the post-dried condition at 24.99 kilopascals, followed by the dry state at 21.02 kilopascals. And lowest under wet conditions at 14.85 kilopascals.

production-testing-moisture-behavior-thermal-properties-rapeseed

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

Plastic films labeled "biodegradable" are commercially available for agricultural use as mulches.  Tillage represents an attractive disposal method, but degradation under field conditions is poorly understood.  The purpose of this study was to develop methods for isolating native soil fungi and bacteria that colonize plastic mulch films after field burial.

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

We present a novel method of manufacturing rigid and robust short natural fiber preforms using a papermaking process. Bacterial cellulose acts simultaneously as the binder for the loose fibers and provides rigidity to the fiber preforms. These preforms can be infused with a resin to produce truly green hierarchical composites.

Manufacturing Of Robust Natural Fiber Preforms Utilizing Bacterial Cellulose as Binder

A novel Upflow Anaerobic Solid State (UASS) reactor was used for biogas production from fibrous feedstock. Digestate from UASS reactor was hydrothermally carbonized into HTC biochar in a pressurized batch reactor. The integration of the two bioenergy concepts was applied in this study to increase overall bioenergy production.

Evaluation of Integrated Anaerobic Digestion and Hydrothermal Carbonization for Bioenergy Production

The durability of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites in service is a critical aspect for their designs and condition-based maintenance. We present a novel low-cost laboratory testing platform for the investigation of the influence of concurrent mechanical and environmental loadings, and may help design more efficient yet safer composite structures.

A Testing Platform for Durability Studies of Polymers and Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composites under Concurrent Hygrothermo-mechanical Stimuli

To facilitate the effort in seeking more economic and environment-friendly formulations of natural product-based wood adhesives, this work demonstrates the preparation and testing of plant seed-based wood adhesives. This protocol allows one to assess plant seed-based agricultural products as suitable candidates for the substitution of synthetic-based wood adhesives.

Preparation and Testing of Plant Seed Meal-based Wood Adhesives

In this study, a protocol was developed to produce good quality pellets using a flat die pellet mill at reduced specific energy consumption testing high-moisture corn stover and a starch based binder. The results indicated that adding a corn starch binder improved the pellet durability, reduced percent fines and decreased specific energy consumption.

Method to Produce Durable Pellets at Lower Energy Consumption Using High Moisture Corn Stover and a Corn Starch Binder in a Flat Die Pellet Mill

The side stream from plant oil production of Crambe abyssinica has limited value. The purpose of this study was to find methods for extruding materials based on this side stream, demonstrating that products with a higher value can be produced. The extrudates were found to have promising properties.

Film Extrusion of Crambe abyssinica/Wheat Gluten Blends

Here, we report the different stages involved in the knowledge-based development of an effective mycoinsecticide, including the isolation, identification, screening, and selection of the "best-fit" entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, for the control of insect pests in agriculture.

Development of Metarhizium anisopliae as a Mycoinsecticide: From Isolation to Field Performance

Delignified densified wood represents a new promising lightweight, high-performance and bio-based material with great potential to partially substitute natural fiber reinforced- or glass fiber reinforced composites in the future. We here present two versatile fabrication routes and demonstrate the possibility to create complex composite parts.

Fabrication and Design of Wood-Based High-Performance Composites

Secondary material streams have been shown to include potential raw materials for production. Presented here is a protocol in which CDW-plastic waste as a raw material is identified, followed by various processing steps (agglomeration, extrusion). As a result, a composite material was produced, and mechanical properties were analyzed.

The Effect of Construction and Demolition Waste Plastic Fractions on Wood-Polymer Composite Properties

A versatile twin-screw extrusion process to provide an efficient thermo-mechano-chemical pretreatment on lignocellulosic biomass was developed, which leads to an increased average fiber aspect ratio. A natural binder can also be added continuously after fiber refining, leading to bio-based fiberboards with improved mechanical properties after hot pressing of the obtained extruded material.

Twin-Screw Extrusion Process to Produce Renewable Fiberboards

Learn to produce and test mycelium biocomposites using Ganoderma resinaceum and rapeseed straw for sustainable construction insulation. This protocol ensures repeatable thermal and moisture performance assessment.

Production and Testing of Moisture Behavior and Thermal Properties of Rapeseed Straw and Ganoderma resinaceum Mycelium Bio-Composites (Video) | JoVE Journal

Production and Testing of Moisture Behavior and Thermal Properties of Rapeseed Straw and Ganoderma resinaceum Mycelium Bio-Composites

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