Topic 1: Forest Biorefineries – Process and materials innovation involving wood-based biomass in support of a circular bioeconomy
Our idea are sustainable products made out of wood waste by the means of a natural "glue/matrix" mycelium, the structural part of fungi.
We already produced first prototypical parts, have a production process and offer process-knowledge. We want to deepen the understanding to speed up the process of mycelium based products and transfer it up to a industrial scale.
Additional tasks in this project are material characterization (mechanical strength and behaviour, acoustic and thermal insulation,...) and a selection of suitable woods for this project. Additionally we need a partner with understanding in the biological field of fungi.
Therefore, we are looking for partners with knowledge in wood and biomaterials. Existing experience in mycelium based products is a good but not neccessary starting point.
We are also looking for industry partners that like to participate with a certain use case for the environmental-friendly new material. As an example, this can be packaging (trays, pallets, inlays, ...), civil engineering (bricks, acoustic and thermal insulation, drywall, ...) or furniture industry.
We are happy to hear from you by the beginning of April 2022.
The wbk Institute of Production Science, with 3 chairs, over 100 research associates and the associated workshops, conducts basic research in the field of production technology and works closely with industry in the area of machine technology, automation and sustainable production. In lightweight manufacturing, the researchers and technicians have extensive expertise and experience in the development and production of composite materials as well as process automation.
For more information visit:
https://www.wbk.kit.edu/index.php
https://www.kit.edu/