Samenvatting

“Circular Sandwich Panels” is a joint research project in collaboration between MNEXT, Beyond Wood, and Fairm. The project focuses on studying mycelium circular sandwich panels, which consist of the facades from Beyond Wood and mycelium foams from Fairm, as well as their application in building insulation. To bind these components and achieve sustainable products, there is a need for biobased adhesives as connecting layers in the sandwich panels. Biobased
adhesives are synthesized from many natural resources, both plants and animals. This research is an attempt to investigate the properties of biobased adhesives in general and their application in biobased materials, especially mycelium sandwich panels. Starch-based adhesives have relatively good strength but lack waterproofing. On the other hand, protein-based adhesives have high water resistance and viscosity but sustainability still needs further consideration. Although bio-resins and other bio-polymers have an excellent performance, these glues requires complicated extracting processes and difficult treatments. Furthermore, modified binders are a combination of different
natural sources, which can achieve better properties while improving the deficiency of each. In conclusion, CMC Flour Glue, Egg Albumen Glue and Beeswax Glue are solutions that have the best overall performance. According to MCA result, CMC Flour Glue is the most favorable adhesive to form mycelium circular sandwich panels while Beeswax Glue has the most significant influence on the mechanical properties of mycelium sandwich panels, providing superior flexural modulus and bending strength.