Examining Mechanical Performance of Mycelium-Based Bio-Composites
Examining Mechanical Performance of Mycelium-Based Bio-Composites
Material behaviour, experimental testing, and sustainability in bio-based construction materials
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Project Overview
Project Overview
This project investigated whether mycelium-based composites can be used in low-load structural or insulation applications.
I studied how mould shape, spacing, and internal fibre growth affect compressive strength and material behaviour.
The goal was to connect internal pore structure with mechanical performance using compression testing and image analysis.
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
The project aimed to evaluate whether mycelium-based composites can be used in low-load structural or insulation applications, focusing on how internal pore structure and geometry influence mechanical performance.
My Contribution
My Contribution
Designed experimental test matrix (18 configurations)
Manufactured 27 bio-composite samples and managed incubation process
Conducted compression testing using UTM and generated stress–strain curves
Performed pore structure analysis using ImageJ
Correlated microstructure (porosity, pore size) with mechanical performance
Figure.1 Sample Mould types (arc, triangle, rectangle – top/side views)
Figure.2 Standard Lifecycle of Mycelium Composite
Experimental Process
Experimental Process
54 samples were grown using food-grade rye grain and Ganoderma species.
Due to contamination, 11 viable samples were tested.
Mould geometries included triangle, arc, and rectangle with varying spacings.
Figure.3 Material preparation timeline and growth process flow
Figure.4 Contaminated vs successful samples
Figure.5 : Growth progression (Day 0, 7, 14 comparison)
Tools & Software
Tools & Software
Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
ImageJ (pore analysis)
Microsoft Excel (data processing and stress–strain analysis)
Mechanical Testing Section
Mechanical Testing Section
Compression testing was performed using a Universal Testing Machine at 0.1 mm/s displacement rate.
Force–displacement data was converted to stress–strain curves to extract:
Compressive strength
Elastic modulus
Strain at failure
Figure.6 Stress–strain curve used to determine compressive strength, stiffness, and failure behaviour of mycelium composite samples.
Figure.7 Universal Testing Machine configured with aluminium interface plates and a specimen experiencing compressive failure.
Microstructural Analysis
Microstructural Analysis
Microscopic images were processed using ImageJ to quantify:
Microscopic images were processed using ImageJ to quantify:
Average pore area
Pore density
Percentage porosity
Mechanical performance was then correlated with internal pore structure.
Figure.8 ImageJ Analysis
Figure.8 Microscopic photos
Key Engineering Findings
Key Engineering Findings
Rectangular and arc samples with 20 mm spacing showed higher compressive strength
Increased porosity reduced stiffness
Surface flattening significantly improved test reliability
Biological growth variation caused strength differences between similar samples
Figure.9 Relationship Between Average Pore Area and Compressive Strength
Figure.10 Mechanical and Surface Properties for MBC Samples
Key Learning
Key Learning
This project helped me understand how internal material structure directly influences mechanical performance. It also highlighted the challenges of working with biological materials, particularly variability and quality control, and reinforced the importance of experimental validation in engineering design.
Sustainability Impact
Sustainability Impact
Mycelium composites demonstrated significantly lower embodied energy and carbon footprint compared to concrete and polystyrene.
The material is biodegradable and aligns with circular economy principles.
Figure.11 Comparison of embodied energy and carbon footprint of Mycelium Composite with conventional materials such as Expanded Polystyrene, Concrete, and Mineral Wool. Data sourced from Jones et al. (2020).
Engineering Reflection
Engineering Reflection
This project strengthened my understanding of experimental design, material behaviour, and data correlation.
It improved my ability to connect biological variability with engineering performance — a critical challenge in sustainable materials research.
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