Bayer MaterialScience is strengthening its position in developing new areas of application for carbon nanotubes (CNT). The company concluded a patent license agreement for the use of these materials with U.S. based company Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
The agreement will help to solidify the leading positions of both companies in research and development as well as production technology for high-quality CNT-based products. Financial terms were not disclosed.
"We see high demand for materials with extraordinary material properties," said Dr. Joachim Wolff, Member of the Executive Committee at Bayer MaterialScience. "Developments using Baytubes carbon nanotubes represent a key technology of the future for such requirements profile, and we are optimistic that we can offer our customers innovative and long-term solutions in these areas."
Baytubes carbon nanotubes can be used as additives in established materials such as plastics and metal. They are versatile due to their unique property profile - from enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity to exceptional mechanical load bearing capacity. Among other things, Baytubes CNT can help to increase endurance and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, which in turn opens up their strong potential for use in energy-efficient electro-mobility concepts.
As one of the world's leading manufacturers of polymers and high-performance plastics, Bayer MaterialScience recognized the huge potential of nanotechnology early on. It has carried out intensive research into carbon nanotube production processes. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., Hyperion has been active in the field of carbon nanotubes since 1983 and currently holds a comprehensive portfolio of patents and patent applications covering a broad technology range, from CNT manufacturing to a variety of current and future applications.
David M. Wohlstadter, Hyperion's Vice President of Business Development stated, "We are quite pleased to have entered into this arrangement with Bayer MaterialScience. This license with BMS will further leverage Hyperion's broad patent portfolio and capitalize on the ever increasing demand for carbon nanotubes. We feel Bayer MaterialScience is well positioned to serve and help increase this demand, while Hyperion remains committed to expanding its own sales and providing its customers with the highest quality carbon nanotube based products."