The remarkable mechanical properties of crumpled materials

Mechanics of crumpled materials

Crumpled materials exhibit unusual and as yet unexpained mechanical properties. Through the surprisingly complex morphologies of facets and ridges formed in the crumpling of paper into a ball or densser materials, very high strength to weight ratios can emerge.

In this study, compression of discs formed by crumpling was conducted, with results showing good mechanical properties.

The field of crumpling remains ripe for further exploration as a path towards strong materials and as an approach towards the utilisation of waste paper.