Hyperbranched Polymers and Their Emerging Applications

Abstract

Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) are an important type of dendritic polymer. The HBP structure consists of a core, branches, and terminal groups. There are several methods for synthesis of HBPs that can take place in one step and are simple, unlike for other dendritic polymers. HBPs are categorized according to their physical and chemical molecular structures and polarity. These polymers have asymmetric and pseudospherical steric structures with a lot of end groups. Because of their special properties, HBPs have unique characteristics not found in other polymer structures and that make HBPs an appropriate candidate for a vast range of applications. HBPs can be used in different fields such as optics and electronics, biotechnology, polymers and coatings, nanocomposites, and so on. This chapter introduces HBPs, their synthesis methods, and existing categories. Then it goes on to describe the special properties of HBPs and related applications. It is worth mentioning that many application areas are progressing on a laboratory scale and just a few companies produce HBPs on an industrial scale.