BASF and IBM have teamed up to develop new electronic materials for use in the manufacturing of integrated circuits.

BASF, which makes chemicals, agreed with US computer giant IBM jointly to develop chemical solutions for new high-performance, energy-efficient computer chips based on 32-nanometer technology.

In a press release, BASF said that the technology, as well as related chemicals and materials, were expected to be used by major semi-conductor makers in North America, Asia and Europe "as early as 2010," the statement said.