Investigations into the Development of a Mycelium Biocomposite to Substitute Polystyrene in Packaging Applications

Expanded polystyrene is a versatile synthetic polymer that has a remarkable presence in packaging applications. It is also non-biodegradable in nature which makes them one of the worst solid pollutants that affect the environment. This paper focuses on the possibility of developing an eco-friendly packaging material with mycelium as a binder in a sawdust matrix, and to study the extent up to which these composites are reliable in substituting polystyrene for sustainable packaging applications. The combustion test using a respirable dust sampler has revealed the number of toxic combustion products liberated while burning expanded polystyrene samples. Mycelium fibres were grown from oyster mushrooms, and the analysis of scanning electron microscope images has ensured the growth of mycelium without contamination. Characterization of the newly developed mycelium composite material was done using various techniques, and the results were compared against those of polystyrene. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to determine the composition and morphology, whereas the thermal behaviour was analysed through tests such as thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. An X-ray diffraction test was also conducted to identify the compounds present in the samples. The investigation shed light upon the possibility of using the newly developed mycelium bio-composite material to substitute polystyrene as a packaging material.