Ozgul, SevimDuzel, AhmetKocar, GunnurSargin, Sait2026-04-252026-04-2520261082-60681532-2297https://doi.org/10.1080/10826068.2026.2635136https://hdl.handle.net/11486/8382Rhizophus oryzae biomass (RB) can be incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) to create improved biocomposites that perfectly fit the biobased circular economy model. In this study, Rhizopus oryzae EGE-F75, produced through solid-state fermentation in aluminum trays with the maximum RB production conditions (Initial moisture (%): 79.84%, Inoculum ratio (%): 28.01, Incubation time (days): 9.74) was used as reinforcement material in PLA biocomposites. Biocomposites were obtained by adding varying amounts of RB (5% and 10% by weight) to PLA using a twin screw extruder, and the physical, thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of the biocomposites were investigated. According to the results, the incorporation of RB resulted in a decrease in mechanical properties. The tensile strength of 10% RB/PLA composite decreased by 23%, while the flexural modulus value of the composite increased by 6% compared to PLA. Furthermore, the addition of RB to PLA delayed the thermal decomposition of PLA and reduced its thermal conductivity. Introducing 5 wt% of RB to the PLA matrix reduced the thermal conductivity of the PLA matrix by 79%. Therefore, RB may not serve as an ideal filler for enhancing the mechanical properties and thermal stability of biocomposites, but it does offer potential as an alternative material for thermal insulation.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessRhizopus oryzaesolid state fermentationbiocompositethermal insulationArticle10.1080/10826068.2026.2635136417444842-s2.0-105031583986Q2WOS:001702894900001Q3