The construction industry is exploring ways to reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable due to climate change.
Fired clay bricks, a staple in construction, emit nearly 300 million tonnes of CO2 annually, prompting the search for alternatives like mycelium bricks.
Mycelium bricks are made from fungal filaments combined with husk, sawdust, and spores, resulting in biodegradable, fire-resistant, and insulating bricks.
Mycelium bricks are lightweight, good insulators, and have potential uses beyond construction, such as in filters, sports equipment, and circuit boards.
Current limitations include:
lower strength compared to concrete,
moisture absorption,
biodegradation, and
lack of mass production infrastructure.
Mycelium bricks are fire-resistant but may fail under prolonged heat exposure; they are also vulnerable to moisture and termites.
Solutions, like treating mycelium with flame retardants and UV coatings, could address these issues.
Consumer acceptance and higher research investment are needed to make mycelium bricks more competitive with traditional clay bricks.
Growing interest in sustainable materials, supported by climate change concerns and policies, is expected to drive demand for mycelium bricks.
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