College - Author 1
College of Science and Mathematics
Department - Author 1
Physics Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Physics
Date
12-2022
Primary Advisor
Peter Schwartz, College of Science and Mathematics, Physics Department
Abstract/Summary
The purpose of this project was to develop a method for creating bricks from mycelium and agricultural waste. The bulk of the research happened in two parts, the first part being a period in which different substrates, strains, and methods were used build the bricks. This research took place in San Luis Obispo and was aided by a group of students in PSC392 under Dr. Pete Schwartz in early 2022. After developing a method for constructing these bricks, the research was moved to St. Thomas, Jamaica, in collaboration with an ecovillage called The Source Farm from July to September. The method developed is cheap, easy to learn, scalable, and the bricks that were produced in the US were sturdy, however due to the environmental conditions in Jamaica, this method did not work as well. All bricks made in Jamaica became contaminated from molds and bugs or died as a result of high temperatures. It’s believed that the method developed could work in Jamaica during a cooler part of the year, or with more climate controllability.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/physsp/225