Cyclic Polymers

Dear Colleagues,

Molecular topology has been a key aspect in numerous research topics of polymer science because of its impact on the physical properties of polymers. In particular, the emergence of various cyclic topologies based on linear polymers has recently drawn a great deal of attention from academia because of their unique traits, including increased glass transition temperatures, lower viscosity, and smaller hydrodynamic radius, due to there being no chain end group effect. As a result of research efforts, some cyclic polymers have been successfully prepared using two synthetic strategies, namely intramolecular ring closure reactions and ring expansion polymerizations. They were further characterized in terms of structure and properties. Nevertheless, such synthetic strategies are still facing some unsolved key issues, such as unreacted linear polymer precursor residue and its removal, side reaction products and their removal, low overall reaction yields, high time consumption, and limits in ring size (in ring expansion approach). Moreover, information on their structures and properties is very limited thus far. Overall, cyclic polymers are a very interesting and challenging research subjects in polymer science from the views of synthesis, structure, properties, and applications.

This Special Issue covers recent, advanced research progress in high purity and throughput synthesis, functionality, chemical structure, morphology, properties, and potential applications of cyclic polymers in various topologies. High-quality research articles, as well as reviews and feature articles, are welcome.

Prof. Moonhor Ree
Prof. Toshifumi Satoh
Guest Editors

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