- Collaboration with Polymer Science and Engineering department of University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Access to academic research on structure-property relationships, additive manufacturing, and novel flame retardants
- Access to state of the art analytical instrument facility and expertise
The Urethane Systems business unit of specialty chemicals company LANXESS decided to join the Center for UMass/Industry Research on Polymers (CUMIRP) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA, in order to enhance its scientific research on next-generation materials. CUMIRP acts as a crossroads where university research and education meet with industrial partners in polymer materials, engineering, and processing to leverage resources and foster collaboration. LANXESS will join Flammability Cluster (Cluster F) and Mechanical Properties & Additive Manufacturing Cluster (Cluster M). This 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 collaboration will come into effect in October 2017.
In the long run, LANXESS expects 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.
Dr. Polina Ware, Head of Global Research and Development at LANXESS Urethane Systems business unit: “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. This team-oriented approach fosters cross-industry collaboration as well as gives us access to top experts in polymer science as consultants. As members of Cluster M and F, we expect to gain potential cost savings and business growth through new product innovation.”
Polymer research at the highest level
The Polymer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the leading institute of polymer science in the USA and one of the largest academic centers for polymer research in the world, with currently more than 200 scientists, USD 24 million in instrumentation and over 600 doctoral degrees awarded.
A key figure in the academic collaboration for Urethane Systems is scientist Alan Lesser from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who is a world expert in deformation and fracture of polymers and composites. His research focuses on strength, durability, and micromechanics of polymer blends and composites, nano and molecular composites, constructive modeling of polymers in complex stress states as well as unique processing methods and multi-functional additives. As of 2016, the group is focusing on next-generation Additive Manufacturing formulations. Furthermore, Lesser is editor-in-chief for the technical media Polymer Engineering and Science Journal, Polymer Composites, and Journal of Vinyl & Additives Technology.
The previous relationship, under the roof of Chemtura, which was taken over by the LANXESS group in April 2017, comprised targeted research in flame retardants and urethanes structured foams.
Forward-Looking Statements
This company release contains certain forward-looking statements, including assumptions, opinions, expectations, and views of the company or cited from third party sources. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could cause the actual results, financial position, development or performance of LANXESS AG to differ materially from the estimations expressed or implied herein. LANXESS AG does not guarantee that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does it accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the opinions expressed in this presentation or the actual occurrence of the forecast developments. No representation or warranty (expressed or implied) is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, any information, estimates, targets and opinions, contained herein, and no liability whatsoever is accepted as to any errors, omissions or misstatements contained herein, and accordingly, no representative of LANXESS AG or any of its affiliated companies or any of such person’s officers, directors or employees accept any liability whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from the use of this document.
LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 7.7 billion in 2016 and about 19,200 employees in 25 countries. The company is currently represented at 75 production sites worldwide. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing, and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives, specialty chemicals and plastics. Through ARLANXEO, the joint venture with Saudi Aramco, LANXESS is also a leading supplier of synthetic rubber. LANXESS is listed in the leading sustainability indices Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World) and FTSE4Good.
