Synthesis of macromolecular networks via coupling of star-shaped polymers

In the present work, the two-step so-called "in-in" method, is used to produce model networks with well-defined and controllable structure. For this purpose, two different networks are produced: (a) polystyrene network, including polystyrene star-shaped polymers connected by linear polystyrene chains. (b) polystyrene-polyisoprene network, including polystyrene star-shaped polymers connected by linear polyisoprene chains. The structural parameters of the synthesized networks are determined by SEC, light scattering and theoretical calculations later. In such anionically synthesized networks, each junction point, carries many pendent chains on itself (the arms of the initial star polymer), which have rotational degrees of freedom under the conditions of use.