Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Mycelium-Based Biofoams for Cushioning Materials Using Edible Mushrooms

This study investigated the development of mycelium-based biofoams as sustainable cushioning materials using Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus,combined with different sawdust substrates,and subjected to various pressing methods.The results indicated significant effects of mushroom species,sawdust type,and pressing method on the properties of biofoams.Growth rate,morphology,chemical composition,physical and mechanical properties,water resistance,and cushioning factor were evaluated.The results indicated that Lentinus squarrosulus(LS)exhibited faster growth rates(up to 14.37 mm/day)and produced biofoams with superior properties compared to Pleurotus ostreatus(PO).Core wood(CW)sawdust generally resulted in biofoams with lower density(0.1-0.3 g/cm^(3)),lower shrinkage(7.17%-11.41%),and better shock absorption properties(cushion factor of 4.45-4.73).Hot pressing(HO)consistently produced biofoams with higher density(up to 0.31 g/cm3),improved mechanical strength(compression strength up to 0.53 MPa),and enhanced hydrophobicity(water contact angle up to 102.03°)but slightly reduced the shock absorption performance.Biofoam made from LS cultivated on CW sawdust and pressed using hand-packing(HP)exhibited superior shock absorption properties,achieving a cushion factor of 4.45 comparable to expanded polystyrene(EPS)foam.The findings demonstrated that certain combinations of sawdust types and pressing methods can optimize the performance of mycelium-based biofoams,making them viable for sustainable packaging applications.This study highlighted the potential of mycelium biofoams as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging materials,thereby decreasing environmental impact and promoting a sustainable future.

The development of anti-fall functional clothing for elderly

Objective:The consequences of falls in the elderly are severe,ranging from skin abrasion to hip fracture,which is very easy to cause death.Using advanced technology to develop anti-fall clothing that meets the needs of the elderly can play a significant role in protecting the elderly.By reviewing and analyzing the existing literature on the importance of fall protection clothing in reducing falls and protecting the body of the elderly,it is hoped to explore further research that needs improvement.Methods:Guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses,eight related studies were identified through Web of Science,Scopus and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure.The research objects,approaches,material and equipment,protection principle,and survey results are extracted.Results:Two articles verified the fall detection algorithm adopted in the research through experiments,which significantly improved fall detection accuracy.Six papers found that selecting appropriate cushioning materials can effectively reduce the consequences of falls of the elderly through experimental comparative analysis.Finally,three attributes for significant design value are drawn:(1)size and fit;(2)cushioning materials;(3)wearable sensing elements.

Test and Analysis of the Sound Insulation Performance of Four Types of Timber Structure Floors under Jumping Excitation

To improve the impact sound insulation performance of building floors and meet the objective requirements for living comfort of residents,in this article,three kinds of elastic cushion materials,Portuguese cork board,BGL insulation sound insulation foam board,and EPP polypropylene plastic foam board,are applied to the sound insulation of a light frame wood floor structure of the same bedroom and compared to the ordinary floor.This study uses the transfer function method and transient excitation method to measure the sound insulation,damping ratio,and elastic modulus of materials,as well as the sound insulation of the floor under the jumping excitation method of daily behavior.Through comparative analysis,the results and factors of improving the sound insulation performance of the floor are obtained,according to which three types of elastic cushion materials and the floor covering composed of them have higher vibration and noise reduction performance.Among them,the overall sound insulation performance of BGL board floor is the highest,followed by EPP board and cork board floor,and ordinary OSB floor is the lowest.Under the jumping excitation method,three floating floors can improve the impact sound insulation performance of the middle and low-frequency bands.