open innovation – solving with Ashland

let's responsibly solve for a better world together

At Ashland, we believe in the power of collaboration and welcome partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and emerging start-ups. Together, we can share innovative ideas and work towards responsibly solving for a better world. Scroll down to read our case studies as thought starters.

We invite you to partner with us in our mission to develop sustainable solutions through our new and scalable technology platforms applicable across pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial applications. 

Our superior materials not only offer a range of key functional benefits — including rheology, solubilization, film formation, stiffness, and flexibility — but also pave the way for a more sustainable future. Join us in making an impactful difference. 

superior technology platforms

innovating with a proactive consideration for environmental, social and governance (ESG)s

Ashland defines sustainable solutions as the design of products or processes which:

• reduce or eliminate the use, generation, or risk of substances hazardous to humans, animals, plants or the environment 
• promote health and wellness
• reduce environmental waste and encourage circularity and responsible use (or reuse) of resources
• are biodegradable by design, sustainable in-use and offer health and wellness benefits and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

case studies of our open innovation

University of Sheffield

research: Reverse sequence Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) and RAFT polymerization methods for the synthesis of block copolymers.

Ashland chemistry: Vinyl Pyrrolidone & derivatives

publications

1. Combining Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly with Reverse Sequence Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly Enables the Efficient Synthesis of Hydrolytically Degradable Anisotropic Block Copolymer Nano-objects Directly in Concentrated Aqueous Media
   
   A reverse sequence PISA method has been combined with CDSA to efficiently produce 30% w/w aqueous dispersions of highly anisotropic, hydrolytically degradable PLLA₁₄-PDMACx diblock copolymer nanoparticles. 
   
   This new and convenient synthetic protocol offers a viable route for the industrial manufacturing of these nanoparticles, with potential applications as next-generation sustainable Pickering emulsifiers and foam stabilizers.
    
2. Jeffamine-based diblock copolymer nanoparticles via reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly in aqueous media
   
   A weakly hydrophobic trithiocarbonate-capped Jeffamine precursor is synthesized through admiration and subsequently chain-extended via RAFT polymerization using a variety of hydrophilic vinyl monomers to produce diblock copolymer chains. 
   
   Efficient chain extension of the Jeffamine* precursor is achieved in most instances, resulting in relatively narrow molecular weight distributions.
    
3. Synthesis of Poly(propylene oxide)−Poly(N,N′-dimethylacrylamide)Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles via Reverse Sequence Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly in Aqueous Solution
   
   A novel reverse-sequence aqueous PISA method enables the effective synthesis of thermoresponsive diblock copolymer nanoparticles with poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) cores.
    
4. Efficient Synthesis of Hydrolytically Degradable Block Copolymer Nanoparticles via Reverse Sequence Polymerization-Induced Self- Assembly in Aqueous Media
   
   A new strategy for reverse sequence PISA has been developed, enabling the efficient synthesis of hydrolytically degradable block copolymer nanoparticles (PDMAC_³⁰-PCL_¹⁶-PDMAC_³⁰) through an aqueous protocol. 
   
   These hydrolytically degradable nanoparticles have the potential to be used in creating more environmentally friendly formulations for next-generation agrochemicals.

University of Texas at Austin

research: extrusion technologies - twin-screw melt granulation

Ashland chemistry: Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC)

publications

1. Material-sparing degradation-kinetics model for thermolabile drug stability assessment during twin-screw melt granulation
   
   An empirical model was developed utilizing the degradation kinetics of GABA-HPC blends, along with measurements of residence time and granule temperature. 
   
   This model could serve as a foundational platform for assessing the drug stability and feasibility of processing other thermolabile drugs using twin-screw melt granulation.
    
2. Optimizing twin-screw melt granulation - The role of overflight clearance on granulation behavior  
   
   This study aims to investigate how varying the overflight clearance affects drug degradation and the granule densification process when using GABA-HPC. 
   
   New kneading elements with narrower disc widths and wider overflight clearances were developed to assess their impact on drug stability and granule characteristics. The design of these new kneading elements decreased dispersive mixing by reducing the disc width, while widening the overflight clearance led to a reduction in peak shear.

Univeristy of College Dublin

research: bioresorbable polymers for the prevention of biofilm formation

Ashland chemistry: PEGylated chemistries; Poly D,L lactide (PDLLA)

publications 

1. Bioresorbable Polyester Coatings with Antifouling and Antimicrobial Properties for Prevention of Biofilm Formation in Early Stage Infections on Ti6Al4V Hard-Tissue Implants
   
   Amphiphilic bioresorbable polymers formulated with PEGylated polyesters were developed as antimicrobial and antifouling coatings. The study focused on Poly[D,L-lactide-co-methyl ether poly(ethylene glycol)] (PDLLA−PEG) with varying PEG content to assess its antifouling activity.
   
   The bioresorbable antimicrobial coatings demonstrated increased biocompatibility, reduced bacterial adhesion, and improved drug release capabilities, opening new possibilities for antimicrobial applications.

Durham University

research: Polydiacetylenes and sensing applications; dosimetry

Ashland chemistry: Acetylenics

publications 

1. Properties and Applications of Stimuli-Responsive Diacetylenes
   
   A review of polydiacetylene systems: understanding how crystal engineering affects polymerization of PCDA. Polydiacetylenes respond to various stimuli, making them useful in a range of sensing applications, such as biosensors, chemosensors, and radiochromic dosimeters.
    
2. Alkali Metal Salts of 10,12-Pentacosadiynoic Acid and Their Dosimetry Applications
   
   A study aimed at understanding the spectroscopic and crystallographic characterization of lithium and sodium PCDA salts, comparing their photoreactivities, especially in relation to the effects of their solid-state crystal forms.
    
3. The crystal engineering of radiation-sensitive diacetylene cocrystals and salts
   
   The development of photoreactive cocrystals and salts aims to (1) understand the relationship between structure and photochemistry for PCDA with three different pyridine-containing coformers and (2) compare the photoreactivity of the resulting cocrystals to that of aliphatic amine salts.

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