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Lignin utilization in mycelium-based biocomposites from recycled wood

Project description

Biodegradable materials made from recycled wood

Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LignoMBB project seeks to address raw wood shortage in the EU. To this end, it will develop a technology for producing mycelium-based biocomposites (MBB), using recycled and decontaminated wood. LignoMBB also plans to utilise lignin, a by-product from pulp mills, to enhance mycelial growth on the substrate. This is expected to improve the mechanical properties of the MBB. Agricultural residues will not be used, ensuring food security is not compromised. LignoMBB will seek applications for large volumes of old contaminated wood and develop novel MBB for structural applications. It will also measure volatile organic compound emissions at different stages of the MBB cycle, considering that MBB production can decrease these emissions.

Objective

We have reached a point where we have to use recycled wood, which is mostly contaminated, to a greater extent because there is a shortage of raw wood in the EU. At the same time, in pulp mills, we produce large amounts of lignin, however, use it mainly for energy purposes.

LignoMBB is bringing technology for the production of mycelium-based biocomposites (MBB), during which recycled wood is decontaminated. Secondly, LignoMBB is using lignin, which is currently mainly used for energy and is understood as a by- or waste product, in order to achieve better mycelial growth on the developed substrate. I am the first to suggest enriching the substrate for the production of MBB with lignin, expecting that the addition of lignin will result in better mechanical properties of the MBB. LignoMBB develops materials only from recycled wood and lignin, i.e. it does not use agricultural residues, as is currently common practice, and does not endanger food security. At the same time, it finds application for large volumes of old contaminated wood, which is currently entering circulation. My first objective is to develop a technology for the material use of lignin and a substitution technology of agricultural residues in MBBs with lignin and recycled wood. Then, I will answer the questions: To which extent additional lignin in MBB is consumed by fungi? What are the limits of substrate enrichment by lignin? In accordance with the second objective, I will develop a novel MBB to be used in structural applications. At different stages of the MBB cycle, I will measure the VOC emissions because I am hypothesizing that the production process of MBB can act as bioremediation and decreases VOC emissions from materials.

LignoMBB will be implemented at BOKU in Bio-Resources & Technologies Tulln group, where the emphasis is placed on cradle-to-cradle design and brings to this group methods of recycled wood decontamination and production of fully degradable MBB.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITAET FUER BODENKULTUR WIEN
Net EU contribution
€ 199 440,96
Address
GREGOR MENDEL STRASSE 33
1180 Wien
Austria
Region
Ostösterreich Wien Wien
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data