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We deliver materials analysis services to all industries which have materials based needs. All services are provided by experts from within Sheffield Hallam University, using a range of state-of-the-art instruments and techniques

The programme aims to develop a truly inherent (molecular-level) synthetic auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) polymer for real-world application. Working with the Materials and Fluid Flow Modelling group, we are extending our previous work on scaling down known macrostructures for theoretical cross-linked polymers, and understanding natural auxetic inorganic and organic crystalline nanostructures, to a fully 3D system having connectivity similar to that achievable in elastomer materials.

This project is working with a team of surgeons and an NHS business development manager to devise novel mechanical expansion mechanisms for an innovative new device – the LaparOsphereTM - for space creation and organ retraction in laparoscopic surgery.

This project is being undertaken in collaboration with the University of Bristol and Institut Polytechnique de Bordeaux for ENSEIRB-MATMECA to develop a new concept of a 'mechanical metamaterial' combining two unusual properties: negative Poisson's ratio (NPR - the material becomes fatter when pulled) and negative stiffness (NS - the material becomes shorter when pulled).

This project is focussed on developing new and improved impact protection materials and is part of a wider collaboration with the Centre for Sports Engineering Research and also Manchester Metropolitan University. A process to produce large area or volume isotropic, anisotropic and gradient one-piece auxetic foams is being developed, foams produced and characterised for their mechanical and impact response properties. Significant reductions in peak acceleration are being found for the auxetic foams relative to their conventional counterparts.

This project is a collaboration between the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC) and MERI, initially funded by SCH, with further funding via a SHU VC PhD scholarship matched by an external biomedical devices company. The overarching aim of the project is to develop a range of ‘auxetic’ porous scaffolds for eventual tissue engineering applications, which mimic the mechanical properties of soft tissues, promote migration, adhesion and differentiation of cells, and enable delivery of bioactive components.

Raman microscopy allows us to understand the early stages of oilwell cement hydration, which is crucial to its application

Microscopes have very limited depth-of-focus. This imposes a variety of constraints when building imaging and vision solutions for microscopes. The MMVL vision software for the MiCRoN-project uses a geometric hashing technique to compare all images in an image stack with the scene

The competitive movement of small molecules through polymers, membranes and constitutes an important phenomenon in many applications

By applying our experience and expertise in polymer analysis, we are able to obtain useful insights into polymer behaviour and suggest solutions to material or processing challenges