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

  • Research Article-Mechanical Engineering
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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank M/s. PSG TECH COE INDUTECH, Department of textile technology and automobile engineering, PSG college of technology, Metallurgy and Foundry Division Campus, Neelambur, Coimbatore, for providing the required testing facilities to perform materials characterization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

    Joyal Jose, K. N. Uvais, T. S. Sreenadh & Ashwin V. Deepak

  2. Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing and Renewable Energy, Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

    C. R. Rejeesh

Authors
  1. Joyal Jose
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  2. K. N. Uvais
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  3. T. S. Sreenadh
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  4. Ashwin V. Deepak
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  5. C. R. Rejeesh
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Correspondence to C. R. Rejeesh.

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Jose, J., Uvais, K.N., Sreenadh, T.S. et al. Investigations into the Development of a Mycelium Biocomposite to Substitute Polystyrene in Packaging Applications. Arab J Sci Eng 46, 2975–2984 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-020-05247-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-020-05247-2

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