UB Work Helps Integument Technologies Win Award

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Chemical Processing magazine has selected Integument Technologies of Tonawanda to receive its 2001 Vaaler Award in the category of corrosion control for its innovative FluoroGrip(r) product, developed using technology licensed from the University at Buffalo.

Integument Technologies is a science-based developer and manufacturer of engineered fluoropolymer systems for unique, extreme temperature and chemical environments.

FluoroGrip(r) was developed using chemistry and processes developed at UB that provide the ability to chemically bond adhesives, sealants, coatings and lining materials, creating a new cost-effective generation of composite corrosion-protective systems.

The technology that led to creation of Integument's FluoroGrip(r) product lines was co-developed by Joseph A. Gardella Jr., Ph.D., UB professor of chemistry, and Terrence G. Vargo, Ph.D., former UB research assistant and Integument Technologies president and CEO. UB's former Technology Transfer and Licensing office, now part of the university's Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach, licensed the technology to Integument.

Integument Technologies continues its advancement in the chemical industry by partnering with UB to access its wealth of knowledge, laboratories and testing facilities. Today, Integument utilizes facilities on UB's North (Amherst) Campus for new technology and product development, in addition to using the testing facilities at UB's South (Main Street) Campus Instrumentation Center.

"Integument became involved with UB via several fronts, " said Vargo. "Our access to both North Campus laboratory facilities and the South Campus Instrumentation Center are key to our continued growth. If not for these facilities, it would have been nearly impossible to develop the products Integument currently markets, as well as other technologies that are in a more fundamental stage.

"Integument has been awarded more than $1 million over the past three years for several projects that use both UB's base technology and Integument's subsequent advancements of that technology," commented Vargo. The United States Navy currently funds Integument for work on two projects related to development of novel aircraft paint replacement and lightning-strike protection aircraft appliqués.

Integument currently employs six local and highly skilled professionals; successful completion of its Navy projects could result in a new manufacturing facility with 10-50 high skill-level employment opportunities.

Creation of partnerships between the university and the private sector that result in the creation or retention of jobs and an increase in economic activity within Western New York is the primary mission of UB's Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach. Its Intellectual Property Division specializes in transferring marketable UB-developed technology to the private sector. Currently, there are more than 150 technologies available for licensing in such fields as biomedical, biotech and chemistry. To learn more about available technologies, visit http://www.uballiance.buffalo.edu or call the Intellectual Property Division at 716-645-3811.