Turkish Scientists to Produce Carbon Material

Prof. Dr. Zeki Candan and his 10-member team have been invited by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) from Turkey. Prof. Dr. Zeki Candan and his team will work on reducing carbon and formaldehyde emissions and producing healthier, safer and more hygienic furniture and architectural products. Prof. Dr. Zeki Candan, Faculty Member of the Department of Forest Industry Engineering at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa (İÜC) Forest Faculty, and his team will produce carbon materials from sustainable sources at the European Cooperation in Science and Technology Organization for a cleaner environment. 9 Scientists Working at 6 Different Universities in Turkey Invited by COST COST, defined as the European Union's equivalent of TÜBİTAK, was established to provide cooperation in science and technology for Europe. This organization ensures coordination of research projects supported by national resources at the European level and has the status of an intergovernmental organization. Prof. Dr. Zeki Candan, Founder of the Biomaterial and Nanotechnology Research Group (BioNanoTeam) conducting studies on the development of micro and nanocarbon materials from sustainable sources and Member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) GEBİP, along with 9 scientists working at 6 different universities in Turkey, were invited by COST. Following the invitation, the team joining the research group will continue their research with 57 scientists. Prof. Dr. Zeki Candan also made statements on the subject. Candan emphasized the importance of producing carbon-based materials from sustainable sources and stated that they obtain carbon materials from cellulose and lignocellulosic sources, which are the most abundant organic polymers in nature, from biomaterials, and from the waste of the forest industry, furniture industry, and paper and paper products industry. Candan noted that they are researching the use of these products in wood composite materials such as wood-based panels widely used in furniture production, sandwich boards, laminate parquet, solid panels, adhesives and surface chemicals. "We Want to Contribute to the Production of Healthier, Safer and More Hygienic Furniture and Architectural Products" Emphasizing that reducing formaldehyde emissions is among their main goals, Prof. Dr. Candan stated, "As you know, formaldehyde is a chemical substance listed in the carcinogenic substances list by the World Health Organization. We want to reduce formaldehyde emissions by using carbon and contribute to the production of healthier, safer and more hygienic furniture and architectural products." They Also Aim to Ensure Energy Efficiency in Industry Speaking about their other objectives, Candan stated that with the use of carbon-based materials they aim to ensure energy efficiency in industry, enable faster and more economical production, and noted that sustainable technologies and materials have come to the fore following the Covid-19 pandemic. Candan emphasized that their work is supported by TÜBA, COST, various industrial organizations and civil society organizations, and added that they have applied to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office for intellectual property protection of the materials and technologies they have developed in laboratory settings. Candan drew attention to the fact that the organization has scientists from 57 countries, stating, "The relevant EU working group is a structure established to serve the development of the EU and the development of the industry of EU states. We are also part of this project involving scientists from 57 countries, dozens of scientists and supported with significant funds, lasting until October 2024. Within the scope of this project, conferences, events, workshops and laboratory visits are being organized." Explaining that those participating have the opportunity to conduct joint research in the world's most advanced laboratory infrastructure, Candan said, "In Turkey's Century, we are also trying to contribute to bringing our country to higher positions in the world, developing our industry further and producing higher-quality, high value-added, technological, competitive products and increasing exports." Source