Dual-Scale Spiral Material for Balancing High Load Bearing and Sound Absorption

Porous materials with sound absorption and load-bearing capabilities are in demand in engineering fields like aviation and rail transportation. However, achieving both properties simultaneously is challenging due to the trade-off between interconnected pores for sound absorption and mechanical strength. Inspired by quilling art, a novel design using spiral material formed by rolling planar materials into helical structures is proposed. Experimental results show high structural strength through self-locking mechanisms, while double porosities from interlayer spiral slits and aligned submillimeter pores provide excellent sound absorption. These spiral sheets surpass foam aluminum in specific strength (up to 5.1 MPa) and approach aerogels in sound absorption (average coefficient of 0.93 within 0–6400 Hz). With its adaptability to various planar materials, this spiral design allows for hybrid combinations of different materials for multi-functionality, paving the way for designing advanced, lightweight porous materials for broad applications.