materials-physics-2018-posters-abstracts

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November 22-23, 2018 | Paris, France

Journal of Materials Science and Nanotechnology | Volume: 2

Materials Physics and Materials Science

International Conference on

Enhanced conformability of protective equipment with a negative Poisson’s ratio

Moroney C

Metropolitan University, UK

uxetic materials have a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR),

when subject to deformation they exhibit interesting

characteristics, that have shown potential for protective

sportswear; these materials laterally expand under stretch

and laterally shrink under compression. The conformability of

auxetic foam is owed to its excellent shape fitting ability on a

curved surface through the formation of synclastic curvature

under pure bending as well as biaxial expansion. These qualities

could enhance the current standard of protective equipment, as

a key challenge for designers of impact protective clothing is to

create garments that allow people to work and play effectively.

Foam components are embedded within personal protective

equipment (PPE) for sports apparel, where protective material

is positioned at regions of the body frequently exposed to injury

of the soft tissue through collision, fall or hard impact. Current

protective materials can inhibit movement, breathability and

wicking, whilst moulded pads are prone to saddling. Research

has not yet determined whether the impact performance

of auxetic materials is hindered under a state of synclastic

curvature or biaxial expansion. One of the main benefits of

using auxetic equipment for apparel is in exploiting its ability

to conform to curved body regions such as the shoulder and

extend with stretch fabrics and body movements rather

than restrict them. Under a state of synclastic curvature

and biaxial expansion, the structure of an auxetic material

is subject to unhinge or unravel. Therefore, it is critical to

assess the impact attenuation under synclastic curvature and

biaxial expansion of a selection of auxetic materials versus

conventional alternatives, including foams and 3D prints. The

outcomes of this research will contribute to knowledge of the

potential application of auxetic materials in sports apparel.