In a move aimed at strengthening its position in developing new applications for carbon nanotubes (CNTs), Bayer MaterialScience (BMS, Leverkusen / Germany; www.bayerbms.com) has signed a patent license agreement with Hyperion Catalysis International (Cambridge, Massachusetts / USA; www.hyperioncatalysis.com). The financial details of the arrangement were not disclosed.

Patented under the brand name “Baytube”, BMS’ carbon nanotubes are used as additives in established materials, including plastics. Inherently versatile, CNTs can be used to enhance electrical and thermal conductivity or to increase mechanical load bearing capacity, among others. BMS points out that Baytubes can help increase the endurance and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, which could prove highly beneficial to electro-mobility concepts. In addition, the German company also has identified future application possibilities in light-weight aircraft, including the “Solar Impulse HB-SIA” (www.solarimpulse.com) solar-powered aircraft – see Plasteurope.com of 09.07.2010.

Massachusetts-based Hyperion has been active in the field of carbon nanotubes since 1983, and purports to be the “world leader in carbon nanotube development and commercialization”. The company owns a range of patent and patent applications for CNTs.

Commenting on the agreement, BMS executive committee member Joachim Wolff said: “We see high demand for materials with extraordinary material properties. 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.”