Fungal mycelium-based materials represent natural alternatives to a wide range of standard, commercial materials such as textiles, animal leathers, and synthetics (i.e. plastics). Therefore, they offer a solution to the current demand for sustainable, more environmentally-friendly products. However, more work is needed in order to understand and improve their performances.
The aim of this activity is to study the mechanical properties of these materials through appropriate experimental characterization.
The activity is carried out within the “Myco-Advanced leaTher matERials (MATER)” project, funded by a joint grant from Fondazione Cariplo and Regione Lombardia. The University of Pavia is the lead institution with the departments of Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Civil Engineering and Architecture. Prof. Daniele Dondi (Chemistry Dept.) is the Principal Investigator. Politecnico di Milano and MOGU S.r.l. are the partners of the project.