|
Applications and properties of mycelium-based bio-composites for sustainable building materials in rural areas
|
Siamak Salami  , Mostafa Gholipour Gashniani *  |
| Department of Architecture, Arts and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran. , m.gholipour@umz.ac.ir |
|
|
Abstract: (215 Views) |
Objective: In recent decades, rural areas have faced challenges that threaten their survival, making them increasingly reliant on innovation and new methods. Consequently, rural development is now more closely tied to entrepreneurship and tourism. Combining these two activities to create sustainable products is a practical approach that can support rural growth, raise awareness of sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This paper introduces the production and application of mycelium bio-composites as a means of revitalizing rural areas.
Method: This paper is a review study based on open-access sources that examines the properties, production methods, advantages, and limitations of mycelium bio-composites. It also evaluates their potential to promote rural tourism and entrepreneurship, and highlights their applicability in sustainable development initiatives.
Results: Research into mycelium bio-composites is relatively new. While many of their potential applications remain unexplored and some challenges remain unresolved, existing studies have provided valuable data on material properties, production processes and commercial applications, such as in packaging, insulation panels, wall and floor tiles and furniture. Examining rural entrepreneurship, tourism and agriculture, timber and mushroom cultivation highlights the potential of using mycelium-based bio-composites for sustainable rural development.
Conclusions: Mycelium bio-composites are highly promising materials that possess properties similar to polystyrene foam, MDF boards and particle boards in their basic form. The main advantages are the use of renewable raw materials, low energy consumption during production and the absence of environmentally harmful substances such as plastics and synthetic adhesives. However, challenges such as consumer acceptance, variability in material properties due to their biological nature and the need for standardized production guidelines remain.
|
|
| Keywords: bio-composite, mycelium, sustainable material, rural areas. |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 1358 kb]
(8 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
معماری
Received: 2023/04/25 | Accepted: 2025/08/10 | Published: 2025/09/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
