Functional Nanomaterials: Merck KGaA And NTera Form Strategic Alliance, Sign Commercialization Agreement
Merck KGaA and NTera Ltd., a Dublin-based world leader in nanomaterials, have signed two agreements to develop and commercialize nanomaterial technology that has potential markets worth billions of dollars during the coming decade. Financial details were not announced.
The cooperation covers the development, production and marketing of nanomaterials used to manufacture "paper-quality" displays based on NTera's proprietary NanoChromics™ technology. Merck is the world's largest maker of liquid crystals used in displays for mobile phones, laptop computers and flat-screen monitors und has a proven track record in research, large scale production and commercialization of nanomaterials, mainly for the cosmetics industries, since the late '80s.
Paper-quality displays are electronic information displays that have the optical properties of the printed page, specifically high brightness and contrast over a wide range of viewing angles and a "paper-white" background. Potential applications for the technology include in-store pricing systems, public and advertising signage, mobile communications and electronic paper and books. Estimates of the potential market for such products over the coming decade are in the region of USD 18 billion.
NTera has developed electrochromic display technology using nanostructured film electrodes that will allow displays to have the optical qualities of the printed page. Merck will be working with NTera to develop, scale up and commercially produce the materials used to manufacture these nanostructured films and then market those materials to international display manufacturers.
"This is a clear win-win situation for both partners," said Prof. Thomas Schreckenbach, member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, who holds responsibility for Chemicals. "NTera has developed a most innovative technology and Merck, with its broad experience in display technologies, has the know-how to produce nanomaterials and the worldwide customer base that will appreciate them."
Merck KGaA and NTera also have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a strategic alliance in the area of nanostructured materials technology. Under terms of the agreement, Merck and NTera will work together to commercialize other nanomaterials for a range of applications that includes displays, sensors, batteries and solar cells.
"Merck's commitment to partner with us is a strong endorsement of our technology and a key step to making NanoChromics an industry standard for next generation displays," said Roy Davis, Chief Executive Officer of NTera. "We are confident Merck's proven record, together with our unique offering, will deliver a world-class product."
The principal advantages of NanoChromics over existing display technologies come from its appearance – it looks more like paper than any of the competing display technologies – and the fact that it is fast switching and consumes very little energy. In addition, the associated manufacturing process has been engineered to be similar to that used in making liquid crystal displays.
As a result, NanoChromics displays can be manufactured by established volume producers with relatively minor modifications to their existing plants. This, in turn, will allow volumes and economies of scale, with the price per unit area expected to be similar to that of liquid crystal displays.
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