Abstract
Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene foam, has become a ubiquitous material in our daily lives due to its lightweight, versatility, and durability. One of the most common uses for Styrofoam is in packaging, where it is used due to its lightweight but sturdy properties that can hold a load and absorb shocks. It is often used to protect fragile items such as glass and electronics during shipping.
Despite its many benefits, Styrofoam is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, which makes it a major contributor to environmental pollution. Moreover, Styrofoam is made from polystyrene, which can release harmful chemicals when heated, making it a concern for public health. To address these issues, researchers have been exploring alternatives to Styrofoam. One promising alternative are Mesoporous Materials Made of Mixed-grain with Mushroom Mycelia Reinforcement (6MRs). 6MRs are environmentally friendly and sustainable, as they are biodegradable, compostable, and can be recycled. They also have excellent insulating properties and are lightweight yet sturdy, making them ideal for packaging and construction applications.
To assess the potential of 6MRs as an alternative to Styrofoam, a study was conducted to compare the two materials’ properties. A standard experiment was conducted on the materials, testing their strength using a compression test following ASTM D-1621 standards. The results indicated that both materials have low density and can bear heavy loads. Overall, the study suggests that 6MRs have the potential to replace Styrofoam in many applications, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative that is not only good for the environment but also for public health.
