Composites
Bayer sells patents for carbon nanotubes and graphenes
FutureCarbon GmbH is a leading innovator and provider of novel, carbon-based composites. As a specialist in the manufacture and in particular the refinement of various carbon materials, FutureCarbon enables a broad range of strategic industries, to easily utilize the extraordinary properties of carbon materials in their products.
“We enjoy a long-standing development partnership with Bayer. We are happy that we were able to acquire the Bayer patents for further market realization of the technology. They expand our applications base substantially and open up new possibilities and business segments for us,” said Dr. Walter Schütz, managing director of the Bayreuth company.
Researchers from Bayer MaterialScience had conducted substantial research and development work in the field of carbon nanotubes in collaboration with external partners in recent years. This included complex issues relating to safe production and methods for scaling up the production processes. Next-generation catalysts and new product grades were also developed.
Much of the knowledge gleaned over recent years was made available to other companies and research institutions within the Innovation Alliance for Carbon Nanotubes (Inno.CNT), which counts Bayer MaterialScience among its roughly 90 members.
After Bayer MaterialScience announced the conclusion of its CNT projects in May 2013, various companies indicated their interest in making concrete use of intellectual property developed before the decision was made for FutureCarbon as ideal partner for taking over the accomplished knowledge.