BASF, the world's leading chemicals maker, said on Friday that it had agreed with US computer giant IBM jointly to develop electronic materials for use in the manufacturing of integrated circuits.

Under the agreement, BASF and IBM would develop chemical solutions for new high-performance, energy-efficient computer chips based on 32-nanometer technology, the German company said in a statement.

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.

"The cooperation will benefit from IBMs leading semi-conductor process development and BASFs expertise and innovations in chemicals and nanotechnology," said Ralf Fink, senior manager at BASF Electronic Materials.