Work

Metamortar Composites Reinforced with Re-Entrant Auxetic Cells: Mechanical Performance and Enhanced Energy Absorption

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the mechanical behavior and energy absorption capacity of a novel metamortar composite, developed by embedding re-entrant auxetic cellular structures into a cementitious mortar matrix. Auxetic materials, which exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio, offer distinct advantages in impact resistance and stress dissipation. Despite their promising properties, their integration into cement-based systems remains limited. In this work, auxetic cells were fabricated using different 3D printing filaments and combined with mortar to form hybrid composites. The specimens were subjected to quasi-static compression tests to evaluate their Young's modulus, yield strength, and energy absorption capacity. Results indicate that the auxetic inclusions substantially improved the mechanical performance of the mortar, particularly in the case of PLA-based cells, which achieved the highest values across all tested parameters. The enhancements are attributed to the synergistic deformation mechanisms of the auxetic geometry and the surrounding matrix, promoting efficient load distribution and delayed crack propagation. These findings contribute to the advancement of cementitious metamaterials and establish a foundation for scaling toward metaconcrete systems with improved energy dissipation for use in protective, seismic, and infrastructure applications.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym17233153

Authors: Jorge Fernández, César Garrido, Luis Muñoz, Felipe Nuñez, Rodrigo Valle, Víctor Tuninetti

Institutions: University of Bío-Bío, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Universidad de La Frontera

Language: English

Topic: Cellular and Composite Structures

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258