Mechanical metamaterials are redefining what “good” structural materials can do—from expanding laterally under tension to exhibiting negative stiffness and exceptional energy dissipation. This talk surveys the key challenges, emerging applications, and future directions of mechanical metamaterials, with a focus on auxetic (negative Poisson’s ratio) and negative-stiffness architectures engineered for structural integrity, vibration damping, vibro-acoustics, and multifunctional performance. In each case, the speaker will discuss how microstructural geometry and material selection can be tuned to achieve desired properties.

Secondly, we will look at efforts in sustainable and bio-inspired materials which can couple functionality with reduced environmental impact: natural-fibre reinforcements (including sisal, agave, and cactus), recycled polymers derived from end-of-life tyres, and bio-composites using both fossil- and bio-based matrices. 

Finally, Prof Scarpa will examine nanostructures - e.g. graphene, carbon nanotubes, boron nitride, ZnO, and GaN - emphasising mechanical characterisation for applications spanning nanocomposites to NEMS and examine the roadmap for future adoption of such materials.