Engineered auxetic paper sandwich metamaterial architectures for roll transport
Innovative auxetic paper-based sandwich structures to improve roll transport by distributing pressure evenly and reducing deformation. Ideal for PVC and KEE membranes, leveraging unique negative Poisson's ratio properties to prevent indentations during storage and transit.
Overview
The engineered auxetic paper sandwich metamaterial architectures offer a groundbreaking approach to roll transport, particularly for PVC and KEE membranes. These structures utilize auxetic core geometries, which exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio, meaning they become thicker perpendicular to an applied force. This characteristic allows them to distribute pressure more evenly, reducing membrane deformation and preventing the formation of horseshoe-shaped indentations during both transport and storage.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Auxetic core geometries with negative Poisson's ratio for adaptive pressure distribution
- Multi-layered paper-based sandwich structures for enhanced support
- Engineered variable-density zones to maintain structural integrity under cyclic loading
- Targeted design to prevent deformities in transported and stored membrane rolls
The development process involves designing honeycomb geometries with varied auxetic properties, fabricating paper-based prototypes, and conducting comprehensive mechanical tests including compression, bending, and shear to establish mechanical response curves.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, with ongoing validation phases. Phase 1 focuses on force characterization using fiber optic sensors to analyze strain data. In Phase 2, auxetic structures are developed and tested, while Phase 3 involves scaling up production and establishing quality control measures.
About University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is a comprehensive public research university in the state’s largest metro, pairing broad academic breadth with an applied, urban mission. Industry engages through an innovation campus and research park that co-locate university labs with startups and corporate teams, plus shared-use core facilities. Its location puts partners near a major regional medical center and within a leading freshwater and advanced manufacturing cluster, enabling pilots, internships, and joint development. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and affiliated foundation manage IP, licensing, corporate agreements, and seed funding to accelerate commercialization.
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