U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
                    Here's how you know **Official websites use .gov**
                            
                            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                            
                            A **lock** (                            
                              A locked padlock                                                      
                            
                            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Menu Agricultural Research Service
						
                    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 Cotton Production and Processing Research: Lubbock, TX
 close



    Research

                    Research Projects
                                    Publications
                                    Collaborations
                                    News
                People

                    Staff Listing
                                    CareersSearch small
                    Search
            
            ARS Home
                                About ARS
                                Contact Us




ARS Home Plains Area Lubbock, Texas Cropping Systems Research Laboratory Cotton Production and Processing Research Research Publications at this Location





- ARS National Programs
- Search for a scientific manuscript
- Search for a research project
- ARS Software
- Programs and Projects
- Collaborations
- Subjects of Investigation
- Publications

Title:   Author  item
                                            Holt, Gregoryitem
                                            ZIEGLER, ALEXANDER - University Of Arkansasitem
                                            Pelletier, Mathewitem
                                            Wanjura, Johnitem
                                            BAJWA, S. - North Dakota State Universityitem
                                            MCINTYRE, G. - Ecovative Design, Llc
  Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
                                    Publication Type: Abstract Only
                                    Publication Acceptance Date: 2/4/2014
                                    Publication  Date: 5/5/2014
                                    Citation: Holt, G.A., Ziegler, A., Pelletier, M.G., Wanjura, J.D., Bajwa, S., Mcintyre, G. 2014. Bio-composites from mycelium reinforced agricultural substrates. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Printed Booklet. Paper #141896978.Interpretive Summary:
                                Technical Abstract: There is a need for biodegradable alternatives to the inert plastics and expanded foams currently used in in manufacturing processes and device components. The material focused on in this report is a bio-composite patented by Ecovative Design, LLC. The bio-composite utilizes the fungus mycelium to integrate various agricultural substrates or substrate blends to create a product for a variety of uses. Currently, this material is marketed as a degradable alternative to polystyrene packaging. This report details the results from several studies evaluating the material for applications, both potential and actual, such as packaging, biomedical, acoustic absorbers, and one-use-cushions for tsunami buoy deployment. The presentation will report on results from bio-composites samples manufactured using different fiber-fungal strain combinations. Physico-mechanical properties, acoustic performance, and fiber blend selection optimization of the composite materials are characterized. The results indicate a 100% biodegradable material that has a soft outer surface with high elasticity, light weight, buoyant, and flame and water resistant depending on mycelium growth.


Return to top


Connect with ARS Sign up


ARS Home
                            USDA.gov
                            Plain Writing
                            Policies & Links
                            Civil Rights Statements
                            FOIA
                            Accessibility Statement
                            Privacy Policy
                            Non-Discrimination Statement
                            Quality of Information
                            USA.gov
                            WhiteHouse.gov