A series of mycological biocomposites were grown, processed, surface coated and tested for mechanical performance. The marriage of two bioderived technologies confirm that fungal mycelium composites using agricultural waste are enhanced when used in conjunction with UV-cured epoxidized vegetable oil coatings. The resultant material demonstrates conductive drying of mycological composites is desirable to optimize coating retention at the surface, maximizing UV exposure to minimize processing time. The use of conductive drying bolsters modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture, while decreasing overall processing time due to efficient heat transfer and further enhances surface coating uniformity. Mixed filler particle sizes provide an optimal environment for biological resin, which is four-fold: 1. Improves incubation environment for biological resin formation 2. Provides a flat surface for coating application 3. Improves stress distribution through desired particle-particle interactions. 4. Maintains relatively low density with respect to mechanical strength The verification of a rapidly cured renewable surface coating on mycological biocomposites solidifies a cost-effective, environmentally safe alternative to engineered wood materials. Upcycling agricultural waste using fungal tissue offers green composites competitive in both performance and cost to traditional MDF (Table 1). Epoxidized vegetable oils provide the surface finish aesthetics that can be specifically tuned to incorporate faster cure time, coloration, texture, gloss or antimicrobial activity. These prospects, in combination with high fiber composites or veneers (Table 1, Figure 8), facilitate safe and sustainable options for the non-load-bearing and possibly structural material markets. This combination of innovative design and processing will enable sustainable engineered materials that are lighter and as strong as selections that we have today. Consequently, transportation cost is lessened, air quality is improved and the complete product life cycle improves both health and global environmental impact.
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