Synthesis of Star-Shaped Polymers

Star-shaped polymers, consisting of a core and a number of arms radiating from the core, have attracted more and more attention because of their highly branched structures and unique rheological properties. Various synthesis methods, like reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (AFCTP), stable free radical polymerization (SFRP), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), etc., are used to synthesize star-shaped polymers. Star-shaped polymers are formed from various different chemicals compounds, like divinyl compounds, polyisoprene, polylactides and even amphiphilic compounds. In this review various synthesis schemes and chemical compounds utilized are explained in brief to give the readers an insight in the field of star-shaped polymers. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2011