Preface [Physica Status Solidi(b), 245(11)]

Abstract

This special issue of physica status solidi (b) is dedicated to materials exhibiting negative Poisson’s ratio (auxetics) or other unusual or counter-intuitive physical behaviour. Continuing a series of publications on the topic that started three years ago, the current issue includes papers dealing, apart from negative Poisson’s ratio, with negative thermal expansion and negative compressibility. Topics include mechanistic observations, theory, as well as processing routes. Most articles are selected papers from the 4th International Workshop on Auxetics and Related Systems held in Malta on 24–26 September 2007 (http://home.um.edu.mt/auxetic/malta2007/index.html). With around 40 attending participants from various countries (including Begium, Belarus, Brazil, China, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, Poland, Russia, UK, and USA), this workshop proved to be an excellent opportunity to discuss the recent developments in the field of negative materials and also a platform for experts and students to communicate in an informal manner.