Progress of Application of Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) in the Synthesis of Star Polymers

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is a strategy in which monocyclic or polycyclic olefins undergo ring-opening polymerization to form functionalized polymers. ROMP has been recognized as a powerful synthetic strategy for the synthesis of advanced polymeric materials. Recently, star polymers are receiving intense interests in materials science and nanotechnology in both academic and industrial fields due to the unique structure and property. In this review, the applications of ROMP in the synthesis of star polymers are discussed in terms of methods of polymerization, monomers, initiators and crosslinking agents. Moreover, the application fields and prospects of the ROMP synthesized star polymers, and the advantages and limitations of various ROMP methods are also presented. This work aims to promote development of ROMP in the synthesis of star-shaped polymers, provide a new scientific research approach for the synthesis of functionally complicated star-shaped polymers, and contribute to the acceleration of the commercialization of star-shaped polymer materials.