Mycelium, as the root of fungi, is composed of filamentous strands of fine hyphae that bind discrete substrate particles into a block material. With advanced processing, dense mycelium-bound composites (DMCs) resembling commercial particleboards can be formed. However, their mechanical properties and performance under the working conditions of particleboards are unknown. Here, we show how weathering conditions affect the DMC stress and elastic modulus. DMC was made using Ganoderma lucidum mycelium grown on a substrate of sawdust and empty fruit bunch. The DMC was then subjected to weathering under tropical conditions over 35 days and tested under flexural, tensile, and compressive loading with reference to international standards. After exposure to specified weathering conditions, the maximum stress in flexure, tension, and compression decreased substantially. The addition of a protective coating improved the resistance of DMC to weathering conditions; however, the difference between coated and uncoated samples was only found to be statistically significant in tensile strength.

In many applications, surface properties of materials or components are more important than the entire volume material properties. The hardness, wear and corrosion resistance of material mainly depends on the surface properties. Improved surface properties also increased the life span of components. The friction stir process is a novel solid-state processing technique that is widely used for welding difficult-to-weld materials. In this paper, the applications of the friction stir process in surface modifications and fabrication of aluminum matrix surface composites were discussed. The effects of friction stir process parameters, tool design, reinforcement and reinforcement techniques on the surface properties were also reported.

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