FWF - 3D - Ton - Myzell - Digitally fabricated loam and mycellium-based clay composites

The subject of this research lies at the intersection of paste-based extrusion, clay- and mycelium-based composites (MBCs), and their inoculation. The research explores inoculation methods currently used for MBCs, those applied in mycology and mushroom farming, and optimises them for digitally fabricated mycelium-based (clay) composites. The goal of this optimisation is to enhance the structural and functional properties of digitally fabricated mycelium-based clay composites by providing a controlled mycelial distribution whilst minimising the chance of contamination during the critical stage of the composite’s development. The research focuses on adapting the current inoculation practices and merging them with digital technologies, and therefore optimising mycelial growth within clay matrices. Digital fabrication, such as 3D printing (paste-based extrusion), has completely changed the way mycelium is introduced and distributed within bio-based composites. The advancements in inoculation methods for digitally fabricated mycelium-based clay composites mark a transformative era in sustainable construction. The fusion of digital fabrication techniques with selected mycelium strains and optimised clay matrices opens new possibilities for creating resilient, customizable, and environmentally friendly building materials. As research progresses, these innovations have the potential to redefine the landscape of construction practices, ushering in a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. Keywords: mycelium-based clay composites, mycelium, clay, inoculation, 3D printing