Hyperbranched polymers: unique design tools for multi‐property control in resins and coatings

Author:
  • BPBo Pettersson
    Bo Pettersson
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Presents a hyperbranched polymer, a hydroxyl functional aliphatic polyester which consists of a polyalcohol core from which branches extend, forming a core‐shell structure with a large number of hydroxyl groups at its peripheral surface. It is polydisperse and consists, apart from the main core/shell fraction, of a minor fraction with tree‐like branches. Hyperbranched polyesters of this type have been found to contribute to improved physical, as well as chemical and mechanical, properties. Due to the unique molecular architecture, it is possible to design the hyper‐branched polyester in numerous ways to acquire the desired properties in different applications. Focuses on and illuminates how molecular design might affect properties in not only one, but many applications. Illustrates this by way of examples in the field of alkyds, where presented hyperbranched polymer contributes to low viscosities combined with excellent drying; in amine cured epoxies, where a hyperbranched epoxy demonstrates dramatically increased toughening; and in polyurethanes and radcure, where rapid curing can be obtained by proper molecular design.
Keywords