Elucidating the multiphysical properties of mycelium biocomposite foams for scalable, energy-efficient thermal insulation

Heating and cooling contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with U.S. residential energy use representing about 15% of total consumption. Our sustainable thermal insulation project aims to revolutionize the insulation industry by developing bio-based, rigid insulation sheets made from mycelium and beetle-killed tree pulp. These fungal biocomposites match traditional expanded polystyrene foam in thermal performance while offering potential cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Understanding how mycelium growth and structure affect thermal properties is vital for enhancing commercial adoption.

Using advanced characterization techniques, the team will identify key properties for optimization during production, leading to reliable synthesis of biocomposites with improved thermal efficiency. Collaborating with industry partners, the aim is to scale up the production of these sustainable insulation materials as well as identify key market segments for deployment.