Progress in hyperbranched polymers

Hyperbranched polymers are a type of dendritic macromolecules which constitute a novel class of highly branched polymers with a multitude of end groups. Because of their highly branched three-dimensional and sphere-like molecular architecture, hyperbranched polymers have shown to exhibit the properties very different from those of their linear analogues,such as low viscosity, no inter chain entangling and high solubility. Hyperbranched polymers have a multiplicity of uses ranging from adhesive improvers and viscosity modifiers to applications in agriculture, perfumes and pharmaceuticals. This article discussed the properties and characterization of hyperbranched polymers and reported work on hyperbranched polymers. The monomers used in synthesis and resulting polymers are discussed in details. The intention of this article is to rise interest in this field.