We are proud to announce that the project titled "Development of a Production Technology to Reduce Carbon Fiber Costs by Using Thermochemical Pretreatment," led by Prof. Dr. Erhan Sancak from the Department of Textile Engineering at Marmara University's Faculty of Technology, and involving Dr. Zehra Yıldız and Dr. Oğuz Eryılmaz as researchers, has been awarded support by TÜBİTAK under the European Union bilateral cooperation programs.

On the Turkish side, Dr. Barış Doğan will lead the project as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) representative from BCD Teknik Ar-Ge ve Robotik Otomasyon San. Tic. Ltd. In Germany, RWTH Aachen University's ITA (Institut für Textiltechnik) will provide academic support, while 3WIN Maschinenbau GmbH and Herberger Wasseraufbereitung GmbH (HW) will participate as SMEs.

The project aims to develop an industry-focused production technology to reduce costs and energy requirements in carbon fiber production. Initially, the researchers plan to synthesize and coat the guide rollers, which the precursor acrylic fiber contacts during the stabilization process—a crucial step in carbon production—with a bio-based photopolymerizable polymer. This coating is expected to enhance the chemical resistance and friction durability of the rollers used in the existing production line.

Following this, BCD Teknik will automate the guide rollers' modular unit required for the stabilization step. The goals include reducing the process time by at least 25% and achieving a 20% energy savings in stabilization. Additionally, the project aims to reduce total fiber costs by 10% and improve the mechanical properties of carbon fiber by 10%. Beyond economic targets, the project is expected to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to sustainability by lowering energy demand.

Congratulations to our esteemed faculty members and project team, and we wish them continued success.