Auxetics materials: classification, mechanical properties and applications

In contrast to classical materials, auxetic materials (from the Greek word αὐξητικόσ / auxetikos) possess negative Poisson’s ratios, thereby exhibit reverse deformation mechanism. Under a tensile force applied in the longitudinal direction, auxetics expand in the perpendicular transverse direction. Consequently, auxetic materials possess various useful properties for potential applications. This review contains the classification of auxetic materials according to different criteria: the type of structure, cell geometry and scale, mechanical characteristics, methods of their production, and engineering applications. The aim of this work is to sum up structural information on auxetics.