Polymers with Star-Related Structures

This chapter is divided into three parts. First, seminal and recent developments in the synthesis of star structures by the most important polymerization techniques, such as anionic, cationic, controlled radical, ring opening, ring-opening metathesis, group transfer, and their combinations, are presented. The synthesis of star polymers by step-growth polycondensation, metal template-assisted as well as ‘electrostatic self-assembly and covalent fixation’ methods is also described. In addition, the significant contribution of ‘click’ chemistry for the synthesis of these stars is discussed. Second, the properties of star polymers, both in solution and in bulk, are discussed. Emphasis is given to the examination of the size of the star compared to linear chains, the aggregation phenomena of telechelic stars, the micellization behavior in selective solvents, and the phase separation in star-block and miktoarm stars, as well as the dynamic behavior and the rheological properties in solution and melt. Third, almost all commercial and a few potential high-tech applications are given. Finally, a brief paragraph concluding the chapter is provided.