 |
Topics on this page:
Focus on growth clusters
•
Energy Management
•
Raw Material Change
•
Cluster Nanotechnology
•
White Biotechnology
•
Plant Biotechnology
|
|
In its research strategy BASF concentrates major technology-driven issues of particular relevance to the future in five growth clusters: energy management, raw material change, nanotechnology, plant biotechnology and white biotechnology. These cross-sectional technologies are outside the realm of the classical disciplines and can only be brought to fruition by interdisciplinary and international cooperation. Between 2006 and 2008, a total of €920 million will be allocated for the research activities pursued within the five growth clusters.
|
Focus on growth clusters
Cross-platform developments in growth clusters:
2006 - 2008 of approx. €920 million
|
 |
Growth Cluster Energy Management
The chemical industry can make key contributions to developing new technologies and materials for use in energy sources, energy storage and energy conversion. BASF's research scientists, for example, are working on new materials for organic solar cells, innovative storage media for hydrogen and the membrane electrode assembly of small portable fuel cells. "The projects ongoing in BASF's growth clusters are not low-hanging fruits, on the contrary, they place the highest demands on technical implementation and involve high risks in regard to the developing markets," comments Dr. Thomas Wehlage, Managing Director of BASF Future Business GmbH and spokesman of the Growth Cluster Energy Management.
|
|
Growth Cluster Raw Material Change
BASF experts are engaged in identifying interesting processes for the utilization of renewable resources and are evaluating these processes under technological, economical and ecological aspects. The most important starting materials for the majority of the value-adding chains in the chemical industry are now olefins and aromatics, which are produced mainly by steamcracking of naphtha. However, natural gas is also interesting as an alternative feedstock since chemical production cannot be switched completely to renewable resources in the medium term. For certain applications, however, renewable resources are already a competitive alternative, as the research activities in the Growth Cluster Raw Material Change show.
|
|
Growth Cluster Nanotechnology
BASF is one of the world's leading companies in the field of chemical nanotechnology, which it is already using in numerous established fields of activity such as polymer dispersions, pigments or catalysts. In these endeavors, the company benefits from its high competency in the production and use of nanostructured materials and formulations. "With the Growth Cluster Nanotechnology, we wish to further strengthen our position and use nanotechnology wherever it offers advantages over conventional products and processes," emphasized Prof. Dr. Franz Brandstetter, Head of Polymer Research at BASF and spokesman for this growth cluster. For example, BASF research scientists at the Strasbourg ISIS are working on nanoporous foams which due to their tiny pores have outstanding insulating characteristics.
|
|
Growth Cluster White Biotechnology
In expanding research activities in the Growth Cluster White Biotechnology, BASF is putting to work its wide-ranging expertise in biocatalysis and fermentation to generate new products and processes outside the existing main areas of interest of fine chemicals and intermediates. This program of expansion also includes activities aimed at broadening the raw material base for fermentative processes and developing processes for the production of polymers from renewable resources. In 2007, BASF posted sales of about €300 million with products generated completely or partially using biotechnological processes.
|
|
Growth Cluster Plant Biotechnology
BASF is pursuing the goal of being one of the world's leading companies in the field of Plant Biotechnology by the year 2010. BASF Plant Science, established in 1998, which coordinates an international research and technology platform with eight sites in Europe and North America, develops plants for more efficient agriculture, healthier nutrition and for use as renewable resources. Projects include oil plants of high value in nutritional physiology terms with an elevated level of omega-3-fatty acids, or a potato with a modified starch composition for use in the paper, textile and adhesive industries. These "output traits", which also offer consumers or processing companies recognizable benefits, will further speed the advance of plant biotechnology and enhance its social acceptance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
