smurf | lab_x

XTU ©

SMURF | project based on mycelium

Developer: XTU Lab

Description: DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCAL AND RESILIENT BIOMATERIALS A bio-inspired composite material The “SMURF” project aims to develop a material that enhances construction spoil land through a virtuous biological process. Inspired by the natural calcification observed in different living organisms, the process makes it possible to form a biological binder between mineral aggregates for the production of a new material. Biocalcification is the process by which living organisms precipitate calcium from their environment and create a solid and cohesive material, Calcite. This reaction is influenced by various factors, including the presence of urea, in the environment of the organism capable of biocalcification.

The process developed by XTU is an innovative solution in view of the environmental issues in the building sector. Construction waste represents around 260 million tonnes of excavated earth and stone and deconstruction waste annually. In addition, construction products contribute to indoor air pollution, which can be 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. The opportunity of this project lies in the combination of sound and thermal insulation properties, and structural, conferring resistance and durability to the biomaterial.

Objective: Application of the process: The targeted application for this material is the construction of dividing walls, the renewal of which is frequent (every 10 years) due to the rapid changes in the uses of a building. The material developed has the advantage of being derived from resources not valued in construction (excavation soil), of being biodegradable and non-polluting. In addition, the process gives the material flame retardant properties.

Partners: RSU

Team: project directors: Vincent Nicolas + Marie Caulier