KIL’2026 – 20th NATIONAL CLAY SYMPOSIUM
DECLARATION OF CONCLUSIONS
“The Role of Clay in the Technology of the Future”
The KIL’2026 – 20th National Clay Symposium, organized by the Clay Science Association and the SERHAM Association, hosted by Istanbul Technical University (ITU) under the theme “The Role of Clay in the Technology of the Future,” brought together scientists, researchers, representatives of public institutions and industry, professional organizations, and young researchers from 2–5 September 2026.
As a result of the scientific presentations, panels, poster sessions, and industry-oriented discussions held throughout the symposium, it was emphasized that clay is not merely a traditional industrial raw material, but has the potential to serve as a strategic raw material for advanced technologies, sustainable production, environmental technologies, and next-generation material applications due to its mineralogical, chemical, physical, and surface properties.
In this context, the following issues were identified as priorities for the future of clay science and the clay industry in Türkiye:
1. Sustainable and Scientific Assessment of Clay Resources
Türkiye’s clay resources should be characterized through an integrated assessment of their geological formation, mineralogical composition, geochemical properties, and technological performance.
Clay deposits should be evaluated not only in terms of their reserves but also in terms of their potential to be transformed into high-value-added products. Their efficient, environmentally responsible, and sustainable utilization is of great importance.
2. Strengthening Clay Mineralogy and Advanced Characterization Studies
The integrated use of advanced mineralogical, petrographic, geochemical, and physical characterization methods should be encouraged to improve the understanding of the complex structures of clay minerals and to determine their suitability for different applications.
Scientific data obtained through clay characterization should be transferred to all stages of production, from raw material selection and beneficiation to formulation development and final product performance.
3. Development of High-Value-Added Clay Products
Rather than using Türkiye’s clay resources solely as raw materials, efforts should focus on transforming them into high-value-added products for applications in ceramics, cement, construction materials, refractories, geotechnical engineering, polymer–clay nanocomposites, adsorbents, environmental technologies, and other advanced applications.
In this regard, stronger integration between academic research and the R&D needs of industry is considered essential.
4. Critical Elements and Next-Generation Technologies
Considering the ability of clay minerals to host and retain various critical and strategic elements, clay–critical element relationships should be investigated more comprehensively.
In particular, the potential of clays in the exploration and recovery of critical elements, as well as their recovery from secondary resources, should be investigated through interdisciplinary studies.
5. Low-Carbon and Sustainable Technologies
In line with climate change and resource-efficiency objectives, the role of clay in low-carbon production technologies should be further enhanced.
In particular, the development of alternative binders, calcined clays, low-carbon cement systems, technologies for the utilization of wastes and by-products, and new technologies that improve energy and raw material efficiency should be considered among the priority areas of research.
6. Circular Economy and Waste Valorization
Research aimed at the reuse and valorization of clay and clay-containing industrial wastes should be supported. Instead of treating such materials solely as waste requiring disposal, technologies should be developed to utilize them as secondary raw materials and sources of value-added products.
This approach is expected to contribute significantly to reducing the consumption of natural resources, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing environmental impacts.
7. Strengthening Academia–Industry–Public Sector Cooperation
Strengthening cooperation among universities, research institutions, public organizations, and industry is essential for sustainable development in clay science and technology.
Planning scientific research around the real-world challenges of industry, incorporating the sector’s experience and needs into academic research, and increasing joint R&D projects will contribute to strengthening Türkiye’s competitiveness.
8. Supporting Young Researchers
Recognizing that the future of clay science and technology will be shaped by young scientists, it is important to support the work of undergraduate and graduate students and young researchers, increase their participation in national and international research networks, and expand opportunities for interdisciplinary research.
9. Strengthening National Knowledge and Expertise in Clay Science
The scientific knowledge and industrial experience accumulated in Türkiye in the field of clay science over many years should be systematically documented, updated, and transferred to future generations.
In this context, the development of national databases, the dissemination of up-to-date scientific information on clay deposits, and the establishment of accessible knowledge infrastructures for researchers and industry are recommended.
10. A Shared Vision for the Future
The scientific and industrial evaluations presented at KIL’2026 clearly demonstrated that clay can play a more active and strategic role in the technologies of the future.
Therefore, it was concluded that Türkiye’s clay resources should be developed through an integrated approach based on scientific knowledge, advanced technology, sustainable mining, and value-added production, and that clay science should be supported as a field capable of making a stronger contribution to the country’s scientific, technological, and economic development.
CONCLUSION AND CALL TO ACTION
KIL’2026 – 20th National Clay Symposium served as an important scientific platform bringing together the accumulated knowledge of clay science from the past with the technological needs of the future.
In line with the views and assessments presented during the symposium, a common understanding emerged regarding the need to develop long-term and strong cooperation among science, the public sector, and industry to protect Türkiye’s clay resources, characterize them scientifically, utilize them sustainably, and transform them into high-value-added technological products.
As the Clay Science Association and the SERHAM Association, we are committed to supporting continued efforts, under the vision of “The Role of Clay in the Technology of the Future,” to advance clay science and technology, promote the sustainable use of our country’s natural resources, support scientific research, and strengthen university–industry collaboration.
We hope that the scientific knowledge and achievements of KIL’2026 will lead to new research, new collaborations, and new technologies. We extend our sincere thanks to all researchers, academics, students, public institutions, industry representatives, professional organizations, and supporters who contributed to the symposium.
KIL’2026 – 20th National Clay Symposium
Co-Chairs
Prof. Dr. Mustafa KUMRAL Adnan GEREDELİ