Pages 93–99
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
Mycelium has been considered as a promising biobased material for developing sustainable leather alternatives, driven by the increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials. In this study, we demonstrate that the mycelium can be successfully tanned with chromium-free tanning method to improve its structural stability, and significantly improved physical mechanical properties, including tensile strength and tear strength. The tanned mycelial leather alternative also exhibits excellent thermal stability exceeding 1500C. The tanning mechanism was investigated, and the environmental impact of the obtained mycelial leather alternative were evaluated. It showed a soil biodegradation rate of approximately 60 % in 60 days and does not exert and adverse effects on plant growth. In addition, the tanning process generates solid waste in the form of shavings. Owing to the inherent composition and microstructure, these wastes were utilized to produce porous carbon material. The synthesized mesoporous biochar has a high specific surface area of 3151.9 m2/g, indicating potential applications in energy storage and catalysis adsorption. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using mycelium to develop green, economical, and biodegradable leathe alternatives, while simultaneously providing a value-added way of process wastes.