Hyperbranched Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications [Hardcover]

The last two decades have seen a surge of interest in hyperbranched polymers due to their ease of synthesis on a large scale and their promising applications in diverse fields, from medicine to nanotechnology.

Written by leading scientists in academia and industry, this book provides for the first time a comprehensive overview of the topic, bringing together in one complete volume a wealth of information previously available only in articles scattered across the literature. Drawing on their work at the cutting edge of this dynamic area of research, the authors cover everything readers need to know about hyperbranched polymers when designing highly functional materials. Clear, thorough discussions include:

• How irregular branching affects polymer properties and their potential applications

• Important theoretical basics, plus a useful summary of characterization techniques

• How hyperbranched polymers compare with dendrimers as well as linear polymers

• Future trends in the synthesis and application of hyperbranched polymers

Geared to novices and experts alike, Hyperbranched Polymers is a must-have resource for anyone working in polymer architectures, polymer engineering, and functional materials. It is also useful for scientists in related fields who need a primer on the synthesis, theory, and applications of hyperbranched polymers.

Contributors xv

1. Promising Dendritic Materials: An Introduction to Hyperbranched Polymers 1

1.1 Importance of Branching 1

1.2 Pol�