A team of researchers in Germany are working to develop soundproofing panels that are comprised of fungus-based materials.

Researchers at Fraunhofer UMSICHT based in Oberhausen are utilising their laboratory to grow hyphae, which is a filamentous body of a fungus. This is the branching structure of a fungus collectively known as a mycelium.

According to an article on The Engineer, the team mixed the mycelium with a vegetal substrate. This substrate consists of food production waste, straw and wood and is then 3D printed into the desired construct. 

The 3D-printed structure is then dried in a kiln which kills the fungus. In result of this procedure, the cell walls of the structure are opened. The team claim that both the open cell walls and the material’s porosity are appropriate features for a sound absorber. In addition, this particular material brings a much more eco-friendly alternative to the market. 

“The material, which is permeated by mycelium, has a solid structure. This means that much thinner layers of it could be used to make sound absorbers,” said Roman Wack, a project partner from Fraunhofer IBP, which has worked with Fraunhofer UMSICHT on this study.

The team at Fraunhofer UMSICHT are currently producing a number of prototypes, which will then go on to be tested at Fraunhofer IBP in Stuttgart.