DENDRITIC POLYMERS - FROM AESTHETIC MACROMOLECULES TO COMMERCIALLY INTERESTING MATERIALS

Dendritic polymers, perfectly branched dendrimers as well as hyperbran ched materials, are discussed in some detail. The variety of the synth etic routes to perfect dendrimers and some highlights of the achieved structures document the rapid increase of activity in this field. Much information on growth, defects, dimensions, and properties of these g lobular macromolecules has be gained with special characterization tec hniques and their differences to linear polymers have become obvious. Hyperbranched polymers,which can be prepared in a one-step synthesis, cover almost the same structures as their perfect analogs and an inter esting comparison of their properties can be made. High solubility and functionality, small dimensions, globular structure, and interesting viscosity behavior qualify both types of dendritic polymers for new ap plications. The transition from aesthetic macromolecules to commercial ly interesting materials is discussed with some examples.