Dendronized Hyperbranched Macromolecules: Soft Matter with a Novel Type of Segmental Distribution

Dendronization of a hyperbranched polyester with different generation dendrons leads to pseudo-dendritic structures. The hyperbranched core is modified by the divergent coupling of protected monomer units to the functional groups. Compared to dendrimers, the synthetic effort is significantly less, but the properties are very close to those of high-generation dendrimers. The number of functional groups, molar mass, and rheology behavior even in the early generation (G1-G4) pseudo-dendrimers strongly resembles the behavior of dendrimers in higher generations (G5-G8). Comparison of the segmental and internal structure with perfect dendrimers is performed using SANS, dynamic light scattering and viscosity analysis, microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. The interpretation of the results reveals unique structural characteristics arising from lower segmental density of the core, which turns into a soft nano-sphere with a smooth surface even in the first generation.