Biobased materials are quickly gaining ground in the construction sector, but to what extent are they also biodegradable? This question is central to a practical study currently taking place at the Living Greenlab in Den Bosch. According to a report from MNEXT.nl, two material specialists are investigating how different forms of mycelium biocomposites behave in natural soil conditions.
Researchers Paula Jerez Zarandona and Fran Ortega Exposito are testing four types of biocomposites based on rapeseed straw and mycelium, which are buried in the ground. Among other things, they are looking at the effect of coating and shape — ranging from foamy to pressed plates — on the degradation process. The experiment will run for twenty weeks.
Biobased is not automatically compostable
The research shows that biobased materials are not always biodegradable. Although mycelium is known as a natural alternative to materials such as EPS or concrete, practice will have to show whether it can actually be broken down in an environmentally friendly way after use. According to the researchers, complete degradation can take three to five months. At the same time, it is being monitored whether the material has an effect on the quality of the soil.
Need for circular alternatives
The European construction sector produces 38% of all waste and is responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions. The pressure to work with circular, renewable materials is therefore high. Mycelium biocomposites – made from agricultural waste streams – offer perspective: lightweight, insulating and potentially fully compostable.
Step towards realistic use of materials
Although the experiment is small-scale, according to MNEXT it contributes to more knowledge about the actual properties of biobased materials. These insights are essential to make the construction sector more sustainable without making concessions to environmental goals or material performance.
More about this research can be found at MNEXT.nl.
