Multi-Arm Star co Polymers

Multiarm star (co)polymers can be defined as branched (co)polymers in which three or more either similar or different linear homopolymers or copolymers are linked together to a single core. The nomenclature that will be used follows the usual convention  

Depending on the target structure and on the availability of initiators and linkers, three main methods can be applied for the synthesis core-first techniques, core-last techniques, and mixed techniques. 

In the second case, first the arms are synthesized separately and then linked together using either a well-defined multifunctional terminator or a difunctional monomer leading to a cross-linked core. The free end of the branches may contain functional groups by using a functional initiator for the preparation of the arms. 

Both techniques generally lead to An or (AB)n stars with branches of identical nature and similar composition and length. 

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