Biopolymers from fungal mycelium and waste crops of Costa Rica as a possible substitution for the use of styrofoam.
Two fungi have been evaluated in the production of a biodegradable material as alternatives in the use of Styrofoam which is commonly used in transportation and packaging. Sixteen treatments were analyzed, and the cost of production was calculated. Both the fungus and the treatments underwent tests, such as the resistance to compression, the proof of biodegradability and the determination of adequate colonization of the mycelium in the substrate. In this way the fungus Ganoderma lucidum was found to be the most viable in the mycelium colonization, with a very good compression resistance once dried by high heat oven and with feasible production cost in comparison with common Styrofoam. The second fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus failed to develop as expected due to the differences between temperature and light, demanding more electrical energy and time for its development. For this reason, this inoculation did not fulfill the purpose of saving energy. Finally, the best biodegradable material was determined by comparing the inoculations of the two fungi in the tested substrates. The fungus G. lucidum was the most efficient in this research.
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Universidad EARTH
2017-12
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| Subjects: | POLIMEROS, HONGOS, MICELIO, RESIDUOS DE COSECHAS, TRANSPORTE, ESTEREOFON, https://purl.org/pe-repo/ocde/ford#4.01.01, |
| Online Access: | https://repositorio.earth.ac.cr/handle/UEARTH/481 |
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| Summary: | Two fungi have been evaluated in the production of a biodegradable material as alternatives in the use of Styrofoam which is commonly used in transportation and packaging. Sixteen treatments were analyzed, and the cost of production was calculated. Both the fungus and the treatments underwent tests, such as the resistance to compression, the proof of biodegradability and the determination of adequate colonization of the mycelium in the substrate. In this way the fungus Ganoderma lucidum was found to be the most viable in the mycelium colonization, with a very good compression resistance once dried by high heat oven and with feasible production cost in comparison with common Styrofoam. The second fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus failed to develop as expected due to the differences between temperature and light, demanding more electrical energy and time for its development. For this reason, this inoculation did not fulfill the purpose of saving energy. Finally, the best biodegradable material was determined by comparing the inoculations of the two fungi in the tested substrates. The fungus G. lucidum was the most efficient in this research. |
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