Study of the Physical Properties of Mycopolymers Based on Xylotrophic Agaricomycetes

The use of renewable resources in the production of polymeric materials is one step towards sustainable development. The currently ubiquitous hydrocarbon-based plastics have long degradation periods, accumulating in nature and polluting the environment. One way to address the problem of plastic waste is the development of plant-based polymers. Mycopolymers are fully biodegradable polymers consisting of lignocellulosic particles bound together by the mycelium of xylotrophic basidial fungi. The resulting material can be used as heat insulator and in the production of biodegradable packaging such as lodgments for fragile products (electronics and glass), home decorations, and furniture. The following xylotrophic agaricomycetes are studied in this work: Pleurotus eryngii, P. ostreatus, Trametes hirsuta, T. versicolor, T. pubescens, T. ochracea, Phellinus igniarius, Fomitopsis pinicola, F. betulina, Ganoderma lucidum, G. applanatum, and Fomes fomentarius, as well as two types of substrates based on Populus tremula and Betula pendula wood waste. The most durable mycopolymers are obtained using Ganoderma applanatum and Fomes fomentarius.