Ever heard of a fiberous material that actually gets thicker as it’s stretched? Neither had we until we stumbled upon a science artical describing the benefits of a fabric called Zetix invented by Auxetics Technologies, LTD from the UK. Seems this fabric is made from an auxetic material that has a negative Poisson’s ratio which in laments terms means that when the fiber strands are stretched lengthwise, the transverse strain in the material increases also. This is due to uniquely oriented molecular bonds that have a hinged shape to them. So instead of getting thinner like a bungie cord or rubber band would when stretched, it gets thicker. Zetic is so strong in fact, that it absorbs and disperses energy from explosive impacts without breaking.
Though scientists have known about auxetic materials for over 100 years, its only in the most recent that engineering and intelligence fabric designers have really put the qualities of auxetic’s wrapped fibre structure to use. From body armor, seat belts, military equipment, and protective combat gear, to natural disaster relief items, the extent of its use is still yet to be found. As we move into an ever increasing technoligical state worldwide, and as Mother Earth continues to cleanse herself of the residue of chemical warfare, global warming, radiation and pollution, the need for such fabric will surely find its place among the human race.
normal narrowing affect of stretching
thickening affect
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