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The Auxetic Materials Research Group undertakes world-leading research and consultancy into materials and structures possessing negative Poisson's ratio response.

The Materials and Fluid Flow Modelling Group is involved in the computer simulation and mathematical modelling of a range of materials and related materials processing techniques

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.

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 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.

Our research in this specialist area focuses on the improvement of materials properties through the development of novel ceramic composites. Using some of most advanced techniques and equipment, we have been improving wear resistance, strength, fracture toughness, corrosion resistance and reducing weight.

Our research encompasses petroleum-derived and bio-based polymers, minerals and composites