Fabricated panel
The product is made, in part, of a network of interconnected mycelia cells forming a mass. In one embodiment, the mass includes one or more embedded elements, such as a panel. In another embodiment, the mass is formed over a three-dimensional lattice. The mycelia cells form hyphae that bond directly to panels made of cellulosic materials.
1. A product comprising
a self-supporting composite material including a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells extending through and around said discrete particles and bonding said discrete particles together; and
at least one element embedded in said self-supporting composite material.
2. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein said element has one end in communication with an exterior surface of said composite material.
3. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein said element is selected from the group consisting of conduit, electrical wiring, electrical outlets, light switches, sensors, temperature controls, window frames, door jams, heating conduit, and piping.
4. A panel comprising
a self-supporting composite material formed of a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells extending through and around said discrete particles and bonding said discrete particles together, said composite material having at least one exterior surface; and
at least one element having a portion embedded in said composite material and a portion in communication with said exterior surface of said composite material.
5. A panel as set forth in claim 4 wherein said element is an electrical outlet.
6. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein said substrate of discrete particles includes insulating particles.
7. A product as set forth in claim 1 further comprising added elements in said substrate having a dimension 5 times larger than the mean diameter of the largest average particle size of said discrete particles.
8. A product as set forth in claim 7 wherein said added elements are at least one of rods, cubes, panels, and lattices.