“We combine elements of the biomimicry with bioengineering by using a living material that is a wooden decision mushroom to produce the product,” says Le Ferrand. The team first developed designs that imitate the texture of the elephant skin that has bumps and wrinkles for water to flow and evaporate, creating a cooling effect. They tested different designs with computer simulations to find an optimal pattern for insulation.
Next, they put 3D printed tile in plastic and used to create a silicone form of the design. You could then grow mushrooms in the form to create the final biodegradable tiles. The process is uncomplicated and does not require progressive equipment.
“With the help of waste biomass, in our case bamboo microfibers and a natural mushroom together, the tiles are part of a circular economy. Since they are made of natural materials, they are completely biodegradable. But the special properties of the mushroom also make them weatherproof, ”says Le Ferrand.
The design of the tiles means that the structured front of the tiles heats up more slowly and cools faster than the flat back. If you use them on the outside of buildings, you can help to isolate it from the heat while the building is cooled. The tiles cool even more effectively when they are wet and make them particularly useful in tropical environments like Singapore.