Cargill Bioindustrial and Arizona State University (ASU) have launched a year-long collaborative research initiative aimed at exploring advanced materials for semiconductor technology, the backbone of modern electronics, including smartphones and electric vehicles.
The study will focus on Cargill Priamine dimer diamine, a bio-based material. Supported by ASU’s Biodesign Institute, researchers will investigate the unique properties that make Priamine perform exceptionally well, and explore its potential to enhance the speed, efficiency, and reliability of electronic devices.
Though initially developed for other uses, Priamine, dimer diamine has demonstrated promising applications within the semiconductor industry. Polyimide films derived from Priamine feature an exceptionally low dielectric constant, which can significantly improve semiconductor device performance.
“ASU is a premier research institution and a trusted partner in advancing high-performance semiconductor materials with sustainable solutions. This collaboration empowers Cargill’s Bioindustrial division to deliver cutting-edge innovations to our customers in a rapidly growing market,” said Bryan Danek, commercial category director at Cargill Bioindustrial.
Bringing Science and Industry Together
“This is a great example of how customer feedback and academic research can open up new possibilities,” said Erwin Honcoop, research and technology leader at Cargill Bioindustrial in Netherlands. “We discovered that Priamine was delivering excellent performance in electronics, and this partnership allows us to better understand why — and what more we can do to help our customers solve real-world challenges.”
ASU professor Tim Long and his team will lead the research. “We’re excited to work with Cargill on this project,” Long said. “By combining bio-based chemistry with advanced research, we can help create better materials for the growing semiconductor market — and make technology more sustainable along the way.”
A Strategic Partnership for a Fast-Growing Industry
Arizona has become a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing, driven by public and private investment and support from top research institutions like ASU. More than 40 semiconductor-related companies have launched or expanded operations in the state since 2020, creating tens of thousands of jobs and driving innovation forward.
“ASU is not only a leading research institution, but also a trusted advisor to companies that are shaping the future of electronics,” added Jeff Addy, R&D manager at Cargill and an ASU alumnus. “This collaboration gives us a chance to learn, grow, and ultimately offer better solutions to our customers.”
“University research plays a vital role in advancing the science and technology that underpin the semiconductor industry,” said Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise. “As the U.S. cultivates investments in this industry, ASU’s ongoing research and workforce development are driving innovation and training the next generation of engineers and scientists. Arizona is the place to help secure a lab-to-fab ecosystem.”
Innovation Rooted in Sustainability
Cargill’s Priamine line is made from bio-based raw materials and offers performance benefits such as flexibility, durability and moisture resistance. These qualities make it ideal for use in components like adhesives, films and coatings — all critical parts of semiconductor manufacturing.
As the demand for faster and more efficient technology grows, Cargill and ASU are working together to ensure the materials behind it are just as forward-looking.
