This project explores biobased, living and biodegradable binders that allow recovered fibers from discarded garments and cutting scraps to become materials that can shift into multiple forms along their lifetime, circulating through cascading loops in the materials economy towards its disintegration and return to soil. 

On a first loop the textile fibers recovered from discarded textile products are bound by starch-based paste that allows them to become films or blocks similar to felts and hard foams that can be laser cut and casted into tridimensional shapes.

The solubility in water of this binder paste allows the fibers to be recovered and added as reinforcements in the fabrication of mycelium composites. The fibers contribute to the compressive properties and structural integrity of these composites, and eventually, the fungi that acts as a matrix, will contribute to the enzymatic degradation of complex polymers that comprise the fibers.

The fiber biodegradation studies are on a preliminary almost speculative stage after an initial state of the art/literature review, however the work speculates on possible applications of the achieved circular materials in the field of arts, design, interior architecture and construction.

This research has opened up a number of new questions and possibilities. For example, I am interested in exploring the potential for using textile waste to create new materials that can be used to build sustainable infrastructure. I am also interested in investigating the potential for using textile waste to create new products that can be used to improve the lives of people in developing countries.

I believe that my research has the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of sustainable solutions for the management of textile waste. I am excited to continue my research in this area and to see what new possibilities it will open up in the future.

materials