Table 3.
Comparison of MBB in cost, strength, density, recyclability, and manufacturing method with the conventional construction materials.
| Material property | Mycelium-based materials | Polymer materials | Gypsum-based materials | Cement material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (kg/m3) | 110 ± 0.01 to 330 ± 0.05(i) | 22 to 30(i,b) | 417–945(c) | 1800–1950(d) |
| Cost ($/kg) | 0.07–0.17(h) | 2.1–2.3(h) | 1.4–11(h) | — |
| Cost ($/m3) | 19.05(e) | — | — | 942.86(i) |
| Compressive strength (kPa) | 360 ± 5 to 520 ± 8(m) | 69–400(l) | 60–550(c) | 3450(k) |
| Water absorption (%) | 200(b) | 6.9(a) | 52(f) | 12(k) |
| Recyclability | Fully degradable(h) | Decades, century(h) | Years, decades(h) | None(g) |
| Raw materials | Mycelium and organic wastes or substrates(i) | Polymers and natural gases(a) | Adhesives, sawdust, and chips(j) | Cement and sand(k) |
| Manufacturing process | Molding and growing(i) | Polymerization and expansion(h) | Lathing, pressing, resin infusion, and milling(h) | Mixing, molding, and curing(k) |