Development of a Biodegradable Cork–Mycelium–Agar Composite Sheet for Impact Absorption in Sports Equipment
Yugun Sok
Korea International School Jeju, Seogwipo-si, South Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
Korea International School Jeju, Seogwipo-si, South Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2026I28
ABSTRACT
Conventional sports equipment commonly relies on petroleum-based foams and plastics that are non-biodegradable and may contribute to environmental pollution during production and disposal. This study developed a biodegradable composite sheet using agar powder as a seaweed-derived binder, Ganoderma lucidum mycelium powder, and cork powder as a sustainable impact-absorbing alternative for sports equipment. A staged formulation strategy was used in which mycelium–seaweed sheets were first optimized across different mycelium concentrations, followed by cork–seaweed sheets and a final hybrid cork–mycelium–seaweed sheet. The resulting materials were compared for sheet formation, morphological stability, flexibility, compressibility, and structural integrity. Among the tested formulations, the hybrid sheet showed the best overall performance, with the highest integrity retention during storage, greatest flexibility, and strongest structural integrity, while retaining high compressibility. These findings suggest that the cork–mycelium–seaweed composite is a promising eco-friendly prototype for future impact-absorbing sports-material applications.
Conventional sports equipment commonly relies on petroleum-based foams and plastics that are non-biodegradable and may contribute to environmental pollution during production and disposal. This study developed a biodegradable composite sheet using agar powder as a seaweed-derived binder, Ganoderma lucidum mycelium powder, and cork powder as a sustainable impact-absorbing alternative for sports equipment. A staged formulation strategy was used in which mycelium–seaweed sheets were first optimized across different mycelium concentrations, followed by cork–seaweed sheets and a final hybrid cork–mycelium–seaweed sheet. The resulting materials were compared for sheet formation, morphological stability, flexibility, compressibility, and structural integrity. Among the tested formulations, the hybrid sheet showed the best overall performance, with the highest integrity retention during storage, greatest flexibility, and strongest structural integrity, while retaining high compressibility. These findings suggest that the cork–mycelium–seaweed composite is a promising eco-friendly prototype for future impact-absorbing sports-material applications.
