Air Products acquires technology from Nanogate joint venture

April 5, 2006 — Air Products announced that it has consolidated its efforts to commercialize its nanotechnology offerings and strengthen its strategy around the sale of nanoparticle dispersions through a technology acquisition from its Nanogate Advanced Materials GmbH joint venture.

Air Products purchased Nanogate’s nanoparticle dispersion production, and related dispersion technologies and assets located in Saarbrucken, Germany. Air Products’ initial nanoparticle dispersion offerings include zinc oxide, silver, and indium and antimony tin oxides in a variety of organic, aqueous, and 100 percent solids systems.

“We are focused on developing and marketing the high value-added step of integrating nanomaterials into end-user systems by leveraging our unique dispersion technology and related integration know-how,” said Larry Thomas, business director for advanced materials at Air Products, in a prepared statement. “Our company has a wealth of experience when it comes to formulations and surface science. This experience will help us to provide specific nanoparticle dispersions to bring unique value to customer systems.”

The process of making nanoparticle dispersions compatible with the systems they are being incorporated into is a critical requirement to gain the maximum benefit from the use of nanoparticles in many applications, including several markets for formulated systems such as coatings, adhesives, inks, and composites that Air Products currently serves. Air Products has been working with a broad range of nanomaterial producers and formulators to advance these application opportunities. In addition to a facility in Germany, Air Products also has nanoparticle dispersion production capabilities in the United States.

Air Products and Nanogate Technologies GmbH, one of the leading chemical nanotechnology companies in Europe, originally announced the joint venture formation in May 2004. The Nanogate Advanced Materials joint venture will focus its ongoing work on advanced display technologies as well as security applications.

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