| abstract |
The present invention provides novel, multi-arm or star-shaped polymers having mixed protected functional and non-functional ends, their optionally hydrogenated analogues, and the polymers produced by removal of the protecting groups. The invention also provides a process for the preparation of novel multi-arm or star-shaped polymers having branched-end functionality on some, but not all, of the branches. The multi-arm or star polymers of this invention are produced from more than one type of initiator, i.e., from both functional and non-functional initiators which, by design, incorporates both desired physical properties associated with multi-arm or star polymers with non-functional branch-ends and the versatility of functional branch end multi-arm or star polymers. |