Greensulate, green insulation made of mushroom mycellium
January 24, 2009
Greensulate, mushroom put to work
In a world where expenses on heating houses are growing and sustainable issues of buildings loosing heat and thus requireing more energy, a dual major in mechanical engineering and product design, Eben Bayer, hopes to solve some of those growing issues — by growing… mushrooms.
Eben Bayer developed a novel method of bonding insulating minerals in a matrix of pleurotus ostreatus mycelium in a certain growth stage. “The insulation is created by pouring a mixture of insulating particles, hydrogen peroxide, starch, and water into a panel mold”, he sais. Mushroom cells are then injected into the mold, where they digest the starch producing a tightly meshed network of insulating particles and mycelium.
Here’s how it works: A mixture of water, mineral particles, starch and hydrogen peroxide are poured into 7-by-7-inch molds and then injected with living mushroom cells. The hydrogen peroxide is used to prevent the growth of other specimens within the material.
Placed in a dark environment, the cells start to grow, digesting the starch as food and sprouting thousands of root-like cellular strands. A within two weeks, a 1-inch-thick panel of insulation is fully grown. It’s then dried to prevent fungal growth, making it unlikely to trigger mold and fungus allergies. The finished product resembles a giant cracker in texture.
This green insulation could replace traditional synthetic insulators such as foam and fiberglass, especially as it has a very competitive R-factor, could also acts as a firewall thanks to its very good flamable properties. Inexpensive and using little energy to make it’s footprint on the environment is small and could be produced locally by farmers or specialized cooperatives….if only the care for environment would be open-sourced.
(sources: press release , ecovative , science buzz)
Samples of Greensulate's mycellium panels
January 28, 2009 at 11:49 am
[...] Because of all controversy of liquid soy foam insulation and reduced R-value of straw SIPs I would put my polystyrene alternative bet on Greensulate, which I covered already in a previous post: [...]
April 15, 2009 at 4:07 pm
If you ever want to see a reader’s feedback
, I rate this post for four from five. Detailed info, but I just have to go to that damn msn to find the missed bits. Thank you, anyway!
April 21, 2009 at 11:02 am
It would be quite interesting learning user’s feedback but aside self promotion
what are you interested in this article? What missing bits are you looking for? I might help you.
September 23, 2009 at 5:15 pm
is there any way that i can buy this insulator for my science project
October 21, 2009 at 4:33 pm
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer with 20 years Aerostuctures experience, I applaud you for thinking outside the Box. I strongly believe, Greensulate Insulation and its attributes are and will be known as s one of the most unique, innovative and revolutionary inventions since the wheel or the plane. Aiding in the reawakening of an era of consciousness around the World, I honestly believe it will prove itself to be an invaluable asset in transforming the United States and the World. Redirecting our path of self destruction caused by our forefather’s ignorance and greed of money and power through whatever means necessary. And know a driving undeniable force, “Self Preservation” instinctively warning us of trouble, calling to and instructing the insightful and brightest to act now! Begin the reversal process to the damage that has been caused upon the earth, and once again make this planet habitable for our children’s children and generations to come!
Job well done Gentlemen, keep up the good work and fight the Good fight!
David Cain, CMfgE
October 22, 2009 at 12:18 am
Thank you for your kind words. These greetings should go straight to Greensulate creators, I am just another militant fighting the eco war, spreading the good news and adding to the critical mass needed for the movement to get strength.