Four-arm star-shaped polymers and copolymers were obtained by transition metal-catalyzed atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The polymers were characterized by FTIR and (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. Gel permeation chromatography results indicated the formation of polystyrene and polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) arms with controlled molecular weights. In dilute solution, the linear polymers had higher inherent viscosities than star-shaped ones. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a similar degradation mechanism for linear and star-shaped polymers. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated the successful formation of diblock star-shaped copolymers. (C) 2006 Society of Chemical Industry.