Mycelium Composites for Sustainable Construction

: A Focus on Africa

Abstract

This thesis investigates the potential of mycelium composites (MCs) for African communities through a combination of literature review, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and experimental investigations and analyses. The review outlines the production processes and property-determining factors for MCs. Furthermore, it assesses the feasibility of implementing MC technology in Africa, considering region-specific resource availability, potential applications to address environmental challenges (e.g., water pollution, waste management), and socio-economic benefits for underserved communities and the continent as a whole.
An LCA, conducted in accordance with ISO 14040/44, was performed to quantitatively predict the environmental footprint of MCs in African communities, using Ghana as a case study and extending the analysis to six additional countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa. The results underscore the significant role of electricity in the environmental impacts of MCs, due to the intensive use of electrically powered equipment (e.g., ovens).
Experimental characterisation of MCs derived from Pleurotus eryngii and coconut coir as the substrate demonstrated significant limitations in water resistance and compressive strength. To address these material limitations, two strategies were explored: bioinspired mineralisation with calcium carbonate and surface modification via beeswax coating. Interestingly, while mineralisation unexpectedly reduced the compressive strength, the wax treatment increased compressive strength by ~50%, mainly due to the bulk confinement provided by the stiff beeswax shell. Additionally, the wax coating reduced water uptake (by ~68 wt% after 5 h and ~64 wt% after 24 h).
Overall, this thesis demonstrates that while the environmental sustainability and socio-economic benefits of MC are promising, addressing durability and strength remains essential for their successful adoption in construction and related industries in Africa.

Date of Award	20 Jan 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Sponsors	UKRI EPSRC
Supervisor	Steve Eichhorn (Supervisor) & Neha Chandarana (Supervisor)