Background
To decrease the environmental impact caused by the construction sector, biobased materials need to be further developed to allow better integration and acceptance in the market. Mycelium composites are innovative products, with intrinsic properties which rise the attention of architects, designers and industrial companies. Mycelium is the underground network of fungi, such as mushrooms. The mycelium acts as a natural glue to bind biomass. Mycelium grows through the fibers, which function as a growth substrate and a bio-composite matrix. Different organic residual streams from agricultural waste (straw, hemp shives, grass or pepper stems) can be used as substrate. Mycelium composites can be divided into board and foam materials, both of which have the potential to substitute conventional materials, i.e. medium density fireboard (MDF), as well as conventional insulation materials i.e. EPS or PIR. As the material is approaching the market, we would like to explore the material’s different end-of-life possibilities, and understand the bio-degradation of the material.
Assignment description
As an intern at MNEXT, you will have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming project “MycEoLA” which focuses on conducting and assessing the bio-degradability of mycelium bio-composites. You will be part of the bio-degradability section of “MycEoLA”. The main focus includes:
• Manufacturing of mycelium bio-composite materials
• Bio-degradation testing: Conducting experiments on the lifespan of mycelium bio-composite materials under different conditions
Your main activities include:
• Literature research on relevant topics.
• Working at the mycelium lab, growing mycelium bio-composite materials, as well as heat pressing them.
• Bio-degradability and subsequent testing at Avans
• Analysis of the bio-degradability of the material to inform the industry.
Working language: we have a multidisciplinary and international team. Therefore, the language is English. Some of the researchers also speak Dutch.
Starting Date & Compensation
August 2024 – February 2025. The length of the internship / graduation assignment is approximately 20 weeks. The student will get an internship fee of €350,- per month.
Contacts
• Internship Supervisor: Stefano Roccio (s.roccio@avans.nl)
• Internship Coordinator: Samet Azman (s.azman@avans.nl)