Investigation of the Use of Mycelial Filler with Different Cultivation Times for the Filtration of Particulate Airflow

Abstract

Balanced and sustainable development has challenges in utilizing the best efficiency technologies, using new types of materials with reduced environmental impact, including composite types, reusable materials, and easily recyclable consumer adaptable products. One understudied biologically produced material is mycelium, the scientifically studied and improved cultivation of which produces an environmentally friendly material with unique properties with a wide range of applications. In this work, filtration fillers from mycelia of different cultivation periods and their abilities to filter airflow from solid particles were experimentally studied. Numerical modeling studied the interaction and trapping of particles in the flow with the surface of mycelium filters. The results of the research revealed a high airflow filtration efficiency of more than 91%, as well as differences and advantages in the properties and structure of mycelia of different growth periods, and the need for further study of this biomaterial.