Multiarm star-like polydimethylsiloxanes based on dendrimers of the sixth generation.

series of star-like 128-arm polydimethylsiloxanes was synthesized by the anionic polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane using the polylithium initiator, which was obtained from the carbosilane dendrimer of the sixth generation. The measured values of molecular weights and intrinsic viscosity made it possible to characterize the samples prepared as dense globular macromolecules. The behavior of the synthesized multiarm stars at the water-air interface was studied, and the cross-section surface areas of the macromolecules were calculated. A comparison of the obtained sizes with the calculated values suggests some deformation of the dendrite core due to the interaction of the arms with the water surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]