Investigation of Cotton Fabric Coating using Fungal Mycelium Pleurotus Ostreatus and Beeswax

The sustainable use of bio-based materials is essential as they promote resource efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and ensure the longevity and health of ecosystems and human populations. Mushroom mycelium, known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, and beeswax, known for its water resistance, pleasant odor, and antibacterial properties, are examples of sustainable materials that contribute to the sustainable goals. In this study, the coating of cotton fabrics with a wax mixture containing fungal mycelium is investigated. The aim of the research is to evaluate the improvement in textile properties such as water resistance, abrasion resistance, knitter resistance, and other mechanical properties. Comparative analyses will be carried out on uncoated cotton fabrics, on cotton fabrics coated with wax only, and on cotton fabrics coated with a mixture of wax and mushroom fungus. It is expected that the wax coating will improve the water resistance and durability of the fabric, while the addition of mushroom mycelium may further improve the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,and skin-friendly properties. This study also examines the potential environmental benefits of using mushroom mycelium as a natural additive that could reduce dependence on synthetic fibers and the use of chemicals for coating in textile manufacturing. The coating has advantages such as biodegradability and can improve the overall environmental footprint. Analytical techniques such as digital microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) will be used to characterize the structure and composition of the coating. Mechanical tests will be performed to evaluate the improved properties of the fabric. The results of this study will indicate whether this coating is suitable for advanced textile applications and will contribute to the development of sustainable and high-performance fabrics, particularly in the textile sector.