Selective Regulation of ray tissue for achieving ultrastable Zero-Poisson’s-ratio material out of wood

Abstract

Introduction

Materials exhibiting a Poisson’s ratio of zero have attracted considerable interest due to their unique properties and potential applications in various fields, including aerospace, athletic footwear, and sporting equipment. However, the high costs associated with their structural fabrication and the dependence on synthetic chemical materials for most zero Poisson’s ratio materials complicate the preparation processes of current elastic materials, resulting in negative environmental impacts.

Objectives

This study presents a sustainable treatment strategy that utilizes the inherent cellular structure of wood to achieve a zero Poisson’s ratio, thereby enhancing its elasticity.

Methods

By strategically selecting tree species with varying tissue compositions and employing simple chemical and heat treatments, we developed a commercially viable elastic wood material with a zero Poisson’s ratio that meets diverse stress rebound requirements.

Results

The unique internal structure of the wood not only provides high fatigue resistance—capable of withstanding 5000 cycles of compression at a strain of 40 %—but also ensures excellent resilience and processability. At a deformation level of 60 %, the elastic modulus reaches 90.9 MPa. Additionally, the material retains its elasticity even at extremely low temperatures of −196 °C and demonstrates the ability to endure elevated temperatures following carbonization at 1200 °C.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that wood-based materials with a zero Poisson’s ratio exhibit remarkable stability after cyclic compression, presenting a viable pathway for developing superelastic materials suitable for both high- and low-temperature applications.