Fig. 13.

Possible polymer structures. a Linear polymers: (ai–iii) structures from a single monomer, with different end functionalities for modifications; (aiv–viii) multiple monomer derivations, either (aiv) gradient polymers, with two monomers interspersed in the polymer; (av) grafted co-polymer, a linear polymer with second monomer arms; (avi) AB di-block, two different monomer blocks; (avii) ABA tri-block, with one monomer block flanked by a different monomer block; or (aviii) three monomer blocks. b Star polymers: (bi) 8-armed star with homologous or heterologous (mikto) arms; (bii) 8-armed star with AB di-block arms; (biii) microgel centre of polymer is cross-linked (biv) dendrimer or hyperbranched polymer. Image courtesy of Dr. San H. Thang CSIRO