# Using Waste in Producing Bio-Composite Mycelium Bricks
## 1 Introduction  
The increased demand in agriculture and industrialization and accelerated growth of population has brought about large amounts of waste and pollution. In the field of construction, this trend is heavily manifested as environmentally harmful methods of manufacturing have caused the deterioration of the environment. Therefore, the motivation for the development of an innovative material in construction has become of interest to researchers and practitioners. Versatility, in terms of low energy consumption, sustainable and highly functional, is the new norm for these new materials. In order to integrate these alternative materials to modern society, it is vital for technology to progress, adapt, and increase the acceptance of such products. Hence, searching for alternative approaches that are environmentally friendly materials could lead to a more sustainable future.  
One of the emerging topics in sustainable construction building materials is the use of bio-composite material, such as mycelium. Mycelium is comprised of hyphae and root-like plant structures with the ability to allow the fungus to consume the nutrients from its waste substrate. In the study of [PERSON] et al., mycelium-based materials have the potential to be a material of choice for various applications [1]. Mycelium would bind material together by growing into its substrate. The material could have the capacity to grow on lignocellulosic substrates. This could also be vital to the strength and its capability to activate its physiological properties [2]. The world's second most abundant biopolymeris Chitin which is a chemical molecule that comprises mycelium. Chitin is a high tensile strength, poly-crystalline polymeric acetylglucosamine, which is responsible for the tensile strength of the mycelium, thus, providing reinforcing capacity strength to the fibrous network [3]. There are studies on enhancing properties through natural additives which cause stronger bond at the interfaces [4].  
Several studies related to building materials, for both structural or non-structural applications, were done from literatures. Use of mycelium to construction, design, and educational sectors is available [5]. In the construction sector, development of load-bearing mycelium bricks and concrete with an average compressive strength of 5.7 MPa and 22.5 MPa, respectively, was achieved [6]. Biopolymers for architectural cladding has also been developed towards sustainable construction and building materials [7]. The growth of mycelium can be studied and use it for intervention in existing architecture and solid building materials grown from fragmented waste materials [8]. Since bio-composites may react with moisture, materials with mycelium can be maximized once water vapor is removed [9].  
It is recommended to explore the development of new stabilization agents. This was done through a review on life cycle assessment comparing traditional bricks and alternative bricks with organic and inorganic materials [10]. In order to achieve sustainable construction alternatives for bricks used in interior walls were no substantial wetting and drying occur, this study focused on the utilization of waste products such as: Rice bran (RB), sawdust (SD), and coconut husk (CH) with mycelium. The RB/CH and SD are byproducts of rice milling/coconut processes and woodworking operations, respectively. The binder that holds the substrate together is with the use of a bio-composite called mycelium (M). With the utilization of agricultural and industrial waste materials as substrate and reduction on the use of cement binders, the researchers aim to formulate and produce mycelium bricks that can achieve an environmentally friendly product that is of par with standard construction building materials. The contribution of this paper in the field of sustainable construction material are the design mix, methodology, and the results of compressive and flexural strength.