A Month Dedicated to Myco-Composites
November 2025, ENSTIB had the pleasure of welcoming Eldwin Maidiono, a PhD student at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), affiliated with the Laboratory of Wood Technology – Department of Material and Environmental Technology, under the supervision of Professor Jaan Kers. His stay at the Campus Bois was supervised by Arnaud Besserer, lecturer-researcher specializing in myco-composites, as part of the research conducted within the LERMAB laboratory.
Before joining Tallinn University of Technology, Eldwin completed a master’s degree between the University of Reims and AgroParisTech, where he had already developed an interest in bio-based materials. His stay at ENSTIB formed part of his PhD research on myco-composites, an emerging field combining lignocellulosic substrates and fungal growth to create bio-based materials with a low environmental footprint, with a particular focus on fire resistance and flame retardancy, in collaboration with Estonian companies.
A Dense Scientific Program
During his month-long immersion, Eldwin received training in the fabrication and observation of myco-composites, as well as in the characterization of his substrate, including the analytical protocols used in the laboratory.
His work fits into a broader approach aimed at valorizing wood co-products from the industry, which his research seeks to transform into sustainable, fire-resistant materials for construction, notably in the form of insulating panels capable of replacing synthetic materials with a far greater environmental impact.
Eldwin summed up his experience as follows:
It was really worth coming to ENSTIB for this internship. I didn’t waste my time, and my research progressed as planned. The next step is to manufacture an insulating panel that can be used in the industry. I think it will take around three years to reach an industrial application.
His stay at ENSTIB helped strengthen international collaborations around bio-based materials and sustainable technologies.
Arnaud Besserer adds that this collaboration is already set to continue:
We will welcome another PhD student from the same university in January 2026 to pursue this joint work. This kind of exchange is fantastic because it allows us to broaden our expertise in fire resistance, as well as in the possibilities offered by biomass and substrates for new applications. These materials are rapidly developing.
A Positive Immersion on the Campus Bois
Beyond the scientific aspects, Eldwin greatly enjoyed his stay in Épinal. He was housed at the Colloc of ENSTIB, a timber-structure residence offering individual studios and shared living spaces, managed by the school’s alumni association.
Épinal is a very pleasant city, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the town centre. On the campus, I was able to interact with all kinds of students and PhD candidates. It was fascinating.
