PITTSBURGH, PA - PPG Industries has acquired the assets and intellectual property of NanoProducts Corporation, a producer of nanoproduct materials and a developer of nanoproduct technology. Terms were not disclosed.

The company has an extensive patent estate and operates facilities to develop and manufacture unique nanoparticles.

"This acquisition significantly strengthens PPG's nanotechnology patent portfolio and positions us as a world leader in nanoengineered materials," said James A. Trainham, PPG VP. "With these new materials, PPG can offer its customers and development partners unique, high-value solutions. PPG will also license nanotechnology solutions, particularly in areas outside its existing businesses."

PPG's nanotechnology includes patented innovations such as thin-film, optically clear nanocomposites for scratch protection and reflection of infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light from glass.

AUSTIN, TX - TechSearch International, a technology consulting company specializing in the electronics industry, has released a report entitled Through Silicon Via Technology: The Ultimate Market for 3D Interconnect, forecasts that coming industry market applications for 3D TSV will or already include image sensors, flash, DRAM, processors, FPGAs, and power amplifiers.

This is the organization's second report on TSV technology, following the report 3D Integration at the Wafer Level, published in 2006. That report highlighted the processes and materials used, including via fabrication methods, via filling, wafer thinning, and bonding. The current report provides an update of activities by research organizations and key technologies used, analyzing details of new developments, applications, and market projections.