Mycelium Insulation Panel
Bio-manufacturer Biohm harnesses the power of mycelium —the vegetative filament root structure of mushrooms— to create a mycelium insulation panel. The panels made from mycelium are an excellent circular material and they are created by consuming organic and synthetic agricultural and industrial by-products.
Circular Summary
BIOHM specialises in construction materials made from mycelium. They are an excellent alternative to conventional materials as they offer a wide range of properties.
Mycelium outperforms petrochemical/plastic construction materials in thermal and acoustic insulation properties. In addition, it has excellent fire-resistant properties. Biohm's insulation is breathable, wicks moisture and contains negligible amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), achieving an A+ rating.
As a natural material, it is safer and healthier.
Production Process
To grow mycelium, Biohm uses commercial and agricultural by-products that would otherwise go to landfills. The manufacturing process is regenerative, sequestering at least 16 tonnes of carbon per month.
Biohm owns a library of more than 300 fungal strains. Various growth methods, incubation conditions, and substrates are used to harness mycelium's unique properties. These fungi can degrade, detoxify and decarbonise waste streams. Some of them even enjoy consuming plastic.
Using mycoremediation as an end-of-life solution, the company transforms a harmful end-of-life process into a regenerative one.
Simply put, mycoremediation is a sophisticated technique of harnessing the natural ability of fungi to degrade matter and break down complex compounds into simple ones.
Mycoremediation (or fungal degradation) can decarbonise industrial operations. While it detoxifies problematic waste streams such as plastic, it creates valuable by-products from the process.
Material Properties
Thermal Capacity
Materials made with mycelium are highly effective thermal insulating products. They outperform most of the natural alternatives currently available. Biohm's mycelium insulation has achieved thermal conductivity as low as 0.03W/m.K
Fire Performance
Mycelium releases significantly less heat and smoke during burning, with a much lower average and peak heat release rates. When exposed to fire, it takes longer to flash due to its charring behaviour.
Acoustic Performance
Mycelium provides excellent acoustic insulation. Tests show an acoustic absorption of at least 75% at 1000Hz (the typical frequency of road traffic noise).
Indoor Air Quality
Biohm's insulation is breathable, wicks moisture and contains negligible amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), achieving an A+ rating. It allows air to pass through naturally whilst also blocking particulates, reducing dampness and improving indoor air quality.
Durability
Mycelium products are at least as durable as most conventional construction materials. They maintain their insulative properties throughout their life.
Buildability
Biohm's mycelium materials are easily installed and do not require training or additional safety equipment. They are manufactured following industry standards.
Circular Features
Raw Materials
Mycelium grows from commercial and agricultural by-products.
Climate Neutral
Sequestering Plastic
No Chemicals
Thermal Insulating
Fire Resistant
Acoustic Insulating
Provides Excellent Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Durable
Afterlife Plan
Recyclable
Biodegradable (Material can be fed back into the manufacturing process or cold composted)
Supplier
Image source: Biohm