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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lubbock, Texas » Cropping Systems Research Laboratory » Cotton Production and Processing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #354426
Research Project: Enhancing the Profitability and Sustainability of Upland Cotton, Cottonseed, and Agricultural Byproducts through Improvements in Pre- and Post-Harvest Processing

Location: Cotton Production and Processing Research

Title: Acoustic evaluation of a mycological bio-composite

Author
item Pelletier, Mathew
item Holt, Gregory
item Wanjura, John
item BAYER, EBEN - Ecovative Design, Llc
item MCINTYRE, GAVIN - Ecovative Design, Llc

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/21/2019
Publication Date: 6/21/2019
Citation: Pelletier, M.G., Holt, G.A., Wanjura, J.D., Bayer, E., Mcintyre, G. 2019. Acoustic evaluation of a mycological bio-composite. Meeting Abstract. Presentation.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This research examined the use of a novel renewable resource for use in acoustic absorption applications. The material that was tested is an all-natural biopolymer consisting entirely of pure fungal mycelium that is cultured at elevated-temperatures from 30 to 35 C, so that the fruiting bodies are completely suppressed. The study examined the acoustical absorption properties of this material over the frequency range from 500 Hz to 3 kHz. The results of the study indicate this new class of pure mycelium foams is a promising bio-based alternative for acoustic shielding products, especially for applications that seek to attenuate low to mid-frequency range noise, such as is common for road noise filtering in automobiles and buildings next to highways. The results also indicate that for best results, the biopolymer should be paired with a more traditional absorber, such as cork or felt, to handle the higher frequencies. In this manner both materials would contribute unique complementary absorption characteristics. It was found that both felt and cork are suitable complimentary pairing materials. The performance of the biopolymer was found to out-perform a locally obtained ceiling-tile when examined on a path-length independent basis. In summary, this new class of biopolymer holds promise for providing a sustainable alternative to traditional acoustic absorbers that are most commonly constructed with petroleum based glues and synthetic fibers.