Fig. 3

Fungal-based composite made of F. fomentarius and hemp shives prior and post heat-pressing. A Composite appearance after 14 d of cultivation prior to drying. An evenly whitish-coloured coat defined by the aerial mycelium of F. fomentarius gives the composite surface a fluffy texture. B Cross-section of 5 cm composites after drying. C, D Top view and cross section of a board composite with a target thickness of 5 mm that was heat-pressed at 140 °C. Note the subtle brown colorization of the board surface. E Actual thicknesses of the boards after heat-pressing, which deviate from the target thicknesses of 5, 10 and 15 mm