Topological structure and relaxation properties of branched polymers

Topological structures of branched polymers, including weakly and highly branched chains, star-shaped, H and pom–pom polymers, dendrimers and comb-like, hyperbranched and critically branched polymers, are characterised. Experimental data on their rheological and relaxation properties are analysed. Theoretical approaches to the description of relaxation spectra of branched polymers are outlined.