Hyperbranched Macromolecules: From Synthesis to Applications

Abstract

Hyperbranched macromolecules (HMs, also called hyperbranched polymers) are highly branched three-dimensional (3D) structures in which all bonds converge to a focal point or core, and which have a multiplicity of reactive chain-ends. This review summarizes major types of synthetic strategies exploited to produce HMs, including the step-growth polycondensation, the self-condensing vinyl polymerization and ring opening polymerization. Compared to linear analogues, the globular and dendritic architectures of HMs endow new characteristics, such as abundant functional groups, intramolecular cavities, low viscosity, and high solubility. After discussing the general concepts, synthesis, and properties, various applications of HMs are also covered. HMs continue being materials for topical interest, and thus this review offers both concise summary for those new to the topic and for those with more experience in the field of HMs.

Rapid Hyperbranched Polythioether Synthesis Through Thiol‐Michael Addition Reaction

“…HB polymers have been used in various fields of technologies such as biological applications (therapeutic, protein delivery, antimicrobial, etc. ), coatings, catalysis, nanotechnology, additives, sensors (chemical and bio), energy storage applications (thermal energy storage, rechargeable batteries, and solar cells) and electroluminescence applications …”

“…INTRODUCTION A branched polymer structure was defined as a nonlinear polymer consisted of atoms taking place more than one backbone chain spreading from branch points. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] The branching in the polymer backbone is a useful structural variable that can be used advantageously to modify the polymer physical properties and processing characteristics because of changing the melt, solution, and solid-state properties of the polymer. It has been shown that branching results in a more compact structure in comparison to the linear counterpart with similar molecular weight, due to its high segment density, which affects the crystalline, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of the polymer.…”

“…It has been shown that branching results in a more compact structure in comparison to the linear counterpart with similar molecular weight, due to its high segment density, which affects the crystalline, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of the polymer. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Hyperbranched (HB) polymers are highly branched polymers with 3D and irregular topology. As their nonlinear structure, each molecule may have different molecular weights and branching degrees.…”

“…The presence of a large number of functional groups both at the periphery and at the cavity (on linear units) cause different properties than those of linear equivalents, resulting in different applications. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Moreover, HB polymers have more advantageous based on the ease of preparation in large quantities while compared to that of dendrimers. Thus, HB polymers have taken much attention from industry and have been commercialized for numerous applications.…”

“…10 After this pioneering work, various synthetic approaches to achieving HB polymers appeared in polymer chemistry in the last 30 years. The syntheses of HB polymer are not only limited to AB n type monomers but also extended to a combination of A 2 + B n or AB n + B m type monomers [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Therefore, several HB polymers have been commonly prepared by diverse synthetic methods including polycondensation, addition polymerization (e.g., self-condensing vinyl polymerization), addition reactions, cycloaddition reactions, and ring-opening reactions. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] However, less frequently used methods including self-assembly and noncovalent bonding can also be utilized to prepare HB polymers.…”