A high-pressure heated laboratory press serves as the critical mechanism for densification in the processing of Fomes fomentarius mycelium. By simultaneously applying extreme heat (e.g., 160 °C) and pressure (e.g., 100 MPa), the equipment compresses the mycelium height by over 95%, forcing the loose fungal network into a solid, cohesive state.
The press drives a fundamental transition from a porous, biological foam into a high-density engineering sheet. By facilitating heat-induced bonding between hyphae, this process allows you to manufacture materials with significantly enhanced tensile strength and stiffness.
Transforming Physical Structure
Extreme Densification
The primary function of the press is to eliminate the vast amount of void space inherent in raw mycelium.
Under pressures as high as 100 MPa, the press collapses the material structure. This results in a height reduction of more than 95%, converting a lofty network into a compact, thin profile.
Heat-Induced Hyphal Bonding
Pressure alone is insufficient to create a durable material; heat is the catalyst for structural integrity.
The simultaneous application of temperature (around 160 °C) facilitates close contact between individual hyphae. This proximity, combined with thermal energy, triggers bonding mechanisms that fuse the fibers together.
Mechanical Enhancement
The outcome of this compression is a dramatic increase in mechanical performance.
The process transforms the loose mycelium network into a high-density sheet. This structural reorganization is directly responsible for the material's improved tensile strength and stiffness, making it suitable for applications requiring load-bearing capabilities.
Altering Surface Properties
Modification of Wetting Behavior
Beyond structural changes, the press fundamentally alters how the material interacts with water.
The heat and pressure cause the denaturation of surface hydrophobic proteins that naturally coat the mycelium. This chemical change strips the material of its natural water-repelling characteristics.
Elimination of Micropores
The physical crushing of the material removes microscopic air pockets.
In its raw state, mycelium contains "air-trapping micropores" that contribute to surface properties. The press eliminates these pores, smoothing the surface morphology and removing the physical structures that assist in repelling liquids.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Hydrophilic Shift
While you gain strength, you lose natural water resistance.
The transformation typically shifts the material from highly hydrophobic to hydrophilic. If your application requires the material to repel moisture, the standard hot-pressing process may be detrimental without secondary treatments.
Loss of Insulation Properties
The densification process creates a stronger material but sacrifices the benefits of low density.
By compressing the material by over 95% and removing micropores, you eliminate the trapped air that provides thermal and acoustic insulation. This makes the pressed material excellent for structural layers but poor for insulation purposes.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To determine if a high-pressure heated press is the right tool for your Fomes fomentarius application, consider your specific performance requirements:
- If your primary focus is Structural Integrity: Use the press to achieve maximum density and tensile strength through heat-induced hyphal bonding.
- If your primary focus is Water Resistance: Be aware that high-pressure heating will denature protective proteins, likely requiring you to add a post-process coating to restore hydrophobicity.
Ultimately, the laboratory press is the defining tool for converting raw biological growth into high-performance, standardized engineering sheets.
Summary Table:
| Process Parameter | Physical Effect | Material Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| High Pressure (100 MPa) | >95% Height reduction | Extreme densification & void elimination |
| High Heat (160 °C) | Hyphal bonding & protein denaturation | Structural fusion & transition to hydrophilic |
| Combined Action | Structural reorganization | Enhanced tensile strength & stiffness |
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References
- Huaiyou Chen, Ulla Simon. Structural, Mechanical, and Genetic Insights into Heat‐Pressed <i>Fomes Fomentarius</i> Mycelium from Solid‐State and Liquid Cultivations. DOI: 10.1002/adsu.202500484
This article is also based on technical information from Kintek Press Knowledge Base .
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