3rd “Degussa Meets Science” forum: Top polymer science experts meet in Beijing

April 25, 2006

"Close, interdisciplinary collaborations between science and industry are drivers for innovation. For growth and economical success, the courage to invest in innovative technologies of tomorrow is also important ", said Dr. Alfred Oberholz, Management Board Member and CTO of Degussa AG, at the 3rd “Degussa Meets Science” forum in Beijing today.  

Around 40 experts from Germany and China gathered in Beijing to discuss the latest research achievements in functional polymers. Chaired by Prof. Michael Droescher, Head of Degussa Innovation Management, the key topics of this forum included new developments in nanomaterials, modified polymers and functional polymers with new properties. Professor Han Zhichao, a world renowned expert on polymers and director of the polymer science and material united laboratory at the Chemistry Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was appointed co-chairman of the forum.  

As the world's largest specialty chemicals Group, Degussa is a market leader in polymer research, especially in polyamide 12 and polymethacrylates. In 2005 Degussa also acquired PEEK production technology by purchasing IPR from Jilin University, China, and established the joint venture JIDA Degussa High Performance Polymers Changchun Co. Ltd. to produce PEEK at full capacity. With the PEEK family Degussa has expanded its polymer products portfolio to become an even stronger partner for the automotive, electrical appliances and aviation industries.  

Degussa's commitment to research and development and further advanced training have always been extremely strong. Dr. Alfred Oberholz believes that in order to become the customers’ preferred supplier, Degussa needs to be not only ahead in scale and technique, but also in continuous innovation. About 2,900 Degussa employees work in R&D at more than 40 research locations all over the world. In addition to its own research activities Degussa also maintains research cooperations with universities as a means of swiftly introducing scientific knowledge into the company. Approx. € 6 million in total was invested in cooperation with universities and institutes in 2005.  

Degussa now owns more than 30,000 patents and registered trade marks. Around one fifth of its sales are based on products and technologies that are less than five years old. In China, Degussa has invested USD 13 million in its R&D center in Shanghai 　

At the previous “Degussa Meets Science” forums held in China in 2004 and 2005, "biotechnology” and "nanotechnology" were the leading topics. These two hot scientific research areas also form part of Degussa’s focus. Degussa has invested more than USD 120 million in nanomaterials in the last few years. In 2004, Degussa established its most advanced nanomaterials R&D Center (Science to Business Center Nanotronics). In the area of biotechnology, Degussa is building the Science to Business Center Bio with an investment of nearly USD 60 million in five years.    

Degussa is the world’s sole single-source producer and supplier of carbon blacks, performance silica and rubber silanes (three-product system). The Group is now also able to offer customers in China a broad range of products from five local factories, which are supported by three development centers in China.

Degussa is the global market leader in specialty chemicals. Our innovative products and system solutions make an indispensable contribution to our customers' success. It's an approach it sums up in its claim of "creating essentials". In fiscal 2004 Degussa's 45,000 employees worldwide generated sales of 11.2 billion euros and operating profits (EBIT) of 965 million euros.