University of Liverpool

Savannah Cassin

Pierre Chambon

Steven Paul Rannard

Steve Rannard

A method of preparing a branched polymer comprises the free radical polymerisation of a multivinyl monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent, using a source of radicals, wherein the extent of propagation is controlled relative to the extent of chain transfer to prevent gelation of the polymer. The average length of each vinyl polymer chain within the product is short.

Branched polymers

Responsive or degradable branched polymers may be prepared by the free radical polymerisation of a multivinyl monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent, using a source of radicals, wherein the extent of propagation is controlled relative to the extent of chain transfer to prevent gelation of the polymer. The multivinyl monomer may comprise a cleavable group, for example an ester, or a multiplicity of such groups, between two vinyl groups. Said monomer may be a macromonomer containing multiple cleavage sites.

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Liverpool, United Kingdom

Savannah Cassin