I'm not sure I fully understand your question. IME, English ivy is not repelled by any material (with perhaps the exception of copper). But its method of attachment (holdfasts) allows it to grip and adhere itself easier to solid surfaces (like wood, stucco, tree trunks, etc) than to narrow pieces of metal. Ivy is often trained in topiary forms, using very thin metal or mesh - it will not grip these firmly on its own, but it is very easily trained to twine around them.

Does that help?