The functionality of surface mycelium for wood bonding was thoroughly investigated by growing <i>Trametes versicolor</i> on yellow birch veneers. The presence of surface mycelium improved the interface between two wood layers and consequently enhanced bonding. The surface mycelium layer was also confirmed to be able to be utilized as a stand-alone adhesive to bond untreated wood. The exopolysaccharides and proteins located at the interface between aerial mycelium and the substrate were confirmed to play an essential role in adhesion. The bonding mechanism and functionality of mycelium were also investigated in both as-grown and hot-pressed bio-composite structures. For low-density as-grown foam structures, fungal mycelium only worked as a binder, the lignocellulosic substrate material played an essential role in sound absorption and thermal insulation properties, and the denser mycelium structure had a negative effect on these properties. In a higher-density hot-pressed panel system, fungal mycelium contributed to bonding and reinforced the bio-composite by filling the gaps.

Adhesion mechanism of white-rot fungi assisted wood bonding

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ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.