Long-Chain Hyperbranched Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

By combining the virtues of conventional linear and hyperbranched polymers, long-chain hyperbranched polymers (LCHBPs) have attracted great attention. Therefore, a comprehensive summary of the research progress of LCHBPs is presented, with a particular focus on their synthetic strategies, unique properties, and potential applications. The synthetic methodologies are rationalized into four main classes according to their construction process or mechanism, namely AB_x (x ≥ 2), A₂ + B_x (x ≥ 3), AB + AB_x (x ≥ 2), and self-condensing vinyl polymerization. Some of their rheological properties, self-assembly behavior, and stimuli-response features are then discussed. Finally, the emergent applications including biomedicine, electrical conductivity, chemical sensing, and catalyst carrier, are outlined. It is anticipated that this review will stimulate more inspiration for advancing the development of this novel kind of LCHBP.