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Polymers of Novel Molecular Composition and Topology
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Creating
novel polymers of complex structures via controlled procedures
of polymerization is called macromolecular engineering. The
object of these efforts is the total synthesis of functional
polymers and the fine control of their macro- and microarchitecture,
molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. |
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The
synthesis of polymer chains and segments can be utilized to
build complex macromolecular structures with designed functionality
and controlled morphological domains. Hyperbranched and star
polymers (and poly-macromonomers) are particularly suitable
for a range of special applications (i.e. encapsulation,
coatings, crosslinking agents, carriers, catalyis, analytical
chemistry etc.).
This
is because while containing a large number of active functional
groups, the compact structure of these polymers confers a number
of valuable properties (i.e. low viscosity, good solubility)
to them, especially in comparison with their linear analogs.
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3D model of a hyperbranched molecule
(Click image to see a hyperbranched molecule
grow. Image courtesy of Michigan Molecular Institute) |
Béla Iván,
György Kasza,
Amália Szanka,
Ákos Szabó,
István Szanka,
Klára Verebélyi
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