Molecular networks with a near zero Poisson's ratio

A series of polyphenylacetylene networks are predicted to exhibit the not so common property of a near-zero Poisson's ratio, a property which is highly desirable in various practical applications. This behaviour is explained qualitatively in terms of a simple honeycomb model involving flexure, hinging and/or stretching of acetylene chains. (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim