COLOGNE, Germany—Lanxess A.G.'s Urethane Systems business unit will partner with the Polymer Science and Engineering department of University of Massachusetts Amherst to enhance scientific research on next generation materials.
The partnership will give Lanxess access to academic research on structure-property relationships, additive manufacturing and novel flame retardants, a state of the art analytical instrument facility and expertise, the firm said in a news release.
Lanxess added that the collaboration targets the development of novel urethane materials, it focuses on in-depth understating of structure-property relationships to develop new process methods and new chemistries. The firm projects cost savings through sophisticated, highly efficient solutions as well as benefits in business competition by using progressive technologies and the recruiting of qualified specialists. Furthermore, access to other companies who could be potential partners and/or customers will be provided.
"The research clusters are targeted towards specific research areas and allow small team dynamics and interactions as well as collaboration between industrial members, faculty and students, Polina Ware, head of global research and development within the Urethane Systems unit, said in a news release. "This team-oriented approach fosters cross-industry collaboration as well as gives us access to top experts in polymer science as consultants. We expect to gain potential cost savings and business growth though new product innovation."
The Polymer Science and Engineering Department at Amherst is the leading institute on polymer science in the U.S. and, according to Lanxess, is one of the largest academic centers for polymer research in the world. The school currently has more than 200 scientists and $24 million in instrumentation with more than 600 doctoral degrees awarded.