Synthesis and Direct Imaging of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Cyclic Brush Polymers

Convenient route to cyclic polymers: Ultrahigh molecular weight cyclic brush polymers were synthesized through ring-expansion metathesis polymerization of various macromonomers. Atomic force microscopy was used to visualize toroidal shapes and large opening pores, along with linear chains, which may result from high sensitivity of brush polymers to mechanical degradation.