Curriculum Vitae
BİRGÜL BENLİ, PH.D.
Istanbul Technical University • Mineral Processing Engineering Dept.
Maslak, Istanbul-TURKEY 34469
Office: +90 212 285 6267 • Cell: +90 554 8742430
Email: benli@itu.edu.tr
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
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Associate Professor of Mining Engineering
Interested in: Surface and Interface Chemistry,
Nanocomposites, Membranes, Inorganic/organic Coatings, Langmuir Blodgett Thin Films
Sepiolite clays and industrial minerals: Filtration & Separation, Rheology, Soil Mechanics,
Impermeable Bariers, Shear Strength of Mineral Filter Cakes
Biodegrabable Polysaccharide Hydrogels
Bioprocesses in Mineral Processing: Refractory Gold Ores Biooxidation
Photovoltaic, Nanophotocatalyst, Photoelectrochromics, Solar cells and Smart glass
Atomic Force Microscopy and Advanced Applications (Nanoindention, Conductive AFM,
Current AFM, Force-Distance Spectroscopy and In-liquid imaging)
Computational Chemistry & Molecular Dynamics Simulation
EDUCATION
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Post-Doctorate Study in Metallurgical Engineering, Mines and Earth Sciences,
University of Utah, US. May. 2007- Feb.2008
In: Surface/Colloid Chemistry of Clay Minerals Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Techniques
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 2001
DISSERTATION: The Investigation of the Parameters Affecting the
Shear Strength of Filter Cakes
Master Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Istanbul Technical Univ., 1994
DISSERTATION: The investigation of necessary conditions for the production of Pectin
from the apple pumice wastes
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 1991
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Courses in Mineral Processing Engineering Department,
 Fluid Mechanics, 2010  Thermodynamics, 2010 –
 Metal Extraction Processes in Mineral Processing, (Doctorate Course) 2010-2013.
 Bioprocessing in Minerals Engineering, 2012  Differential Equations, 2010-2011
 Engineering Mathematics, (Doctorate Course) 2010 -
RESEARCH CONTRACTS
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“Sepiolite Added Nanocomposite Production and Its Characterization by MD Supported
AFM Measurements “ TUBITAK 1001 (113M244), 2009-2011 [PI].
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“Nanofibre Production from Fiber Structure Sepiolite and Its Characterization by AFM
Measurements” TUBITAK 1002 (111M026), June 2011- Dec.2011 [PI].
 “ Measurements of Interactions at Sepiolite Added Nanocomposite Surface & Interfaces by
MD Supported AFM Measurements“ ITU BAP Research Project, 2009-2011 [PI].
 “Antimicrobial Inorganic Nanofibre Production From Fibrous Sepiolite”, ITU BAP Research
Project, 2012-2013 [PI].
 “Investigation of Electrochemical Properties of Antibacterial Sepiolite Nanofibers” ”, ITU
BAP Project, 2013-2014 [PI].
 “Nanofibre Production From Fiber Structure Sepiolite and LB Coated Nanofiber Hybrid
Ultrafiltration Membranes Characterisated by AFM Measurements”, TUBITAK 1001
(113M462) September 2013-2015 [PI].
 “Bioprocessing for the Gold Mining Industry”, ITU BAP Project, June 2013- [PI].
 “Noval photocatalytic thin films of inorganic sepiolite fibers by Langmuir-Blodgett method”,
ITU BAP Research Project Application, 2014 [PI].
 “Production of High Performance New Generation Hybrid Solar Cells Composed of Sepiolite
Nanofibers Supported Organic / Inorganic Semiconductor Layers”, TUBITAK 1001
Research Project Application, Mart 2014 [PI].
As Researcher:
 “National Reseach Center for Membrane Technologies”, DPT projects, 2010-2013
[Reseacher].
 “ITU VLSI LABs”, DPT projects, 2010-2013 [Reseacher].
 “Improving the Usability of the Boron as Paint Fillers and Additives”, BOREN project, 20112013.
 “Purification and Modification Raw Bentonites in
TUBITAK 1001 Reseach Project, 2010-2012.
Organobentonite Production Process”,
PUBLICATIONS
REFEREED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS
 B.Benli, 2012. “Effect of borax addition on the structural modification of bentonite in
biodegradable alginate-based biocomposites”, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Volume 128
(6) 4172–4180.
 B.Benli, H.Du, M.S.Celik, 2012. “The anisotropic characteristics of natural fiber sepiolite as
revealed by contact angle, surface free energy, AFM and molecular dynamics simulation”,
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 408, 22–31.
 M.F.Can, S.Guvendik, B.Benli, L.Trabzon, H.Kizil, M.S.Celik, 2012. “Predicting the Extent of
Hydrophilicity on Si Nano-Colum Surfaces”, Materials Science and Eng. Technology, 43 (5)
366–372.
 B.Benli, S.Assemi, J.Nalaskowski, M.S.Çelik, J.D.Miller, 2011. “Evaluation of Adhesion Forces in
Alginate - Filler System Using AFM Colloidal Probe Technique” journal of Adhesion Science and
Technology, 25, 1159– 1173.
 B.Benli, F.Boylu, F.Karakaş, M.F.Can, K.Çinku, G.Ersever, 2011. “Rheological, Electrokinetics
and Morphological Characterization of Alginate -Bentonite Biocomposites”, Journal of Applied
Polymer Science, 1 (122), 19-28.
 B.Benli, O.Ozcan, P.Sayan, 2010. “Shear Strength Measurement of Mineral Filter Cakes”,
Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, Vol. 19 (8), 1414-1423.
 M.F.Can, M.Çınar, B.Benli, O.Özdemir, M.S.Çelik, 2010. “Determining the fiber size of nano
structured sepiolite using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)”, Applied Clay Science, 47, 217-222.
 B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2005. “The Effect of Surfactant on the Pressure Filtration of Clay
Minerals in the Presence of Flocculant”, Filtration, Vol.5 (4), 250-253.
 B.Benli Gönül B., Özcan Ö., 2003. “The Use of Surfactants in Pressure Filtration of Very Fine
Dolomite and Quartz Minerals”, Filtration, Vol.3 (2), April,94-99.
 Ö.Özcan, B.B.Gönül, A.N.Bulutçu, H.Manav, 2001. “Correlations Between the Shear Strength
of Mineral Filter Cakes and Particle Size and Surface Tension”, Colloids and Surfaces A:
Physiochemical and Engineering Aspects, 187- 188, 405- 413.
 B.Benli, A. N.İpekoğlu, 1995. “The Comparison of Surface Appearance in Microwave Heating
and Conventional Heating Technology in the Extraction of Pectin”, Turkish Journal of Medical
Sciences, p.127.
NATIONAL JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS
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B.Benli, F. Arslan, " Raw Materials for Sustainable Development Needs: Nanotechnology
and Mineral Processing ", İTÜ Vakfı Dergisi: Nanoteknoloji special issue, 2013.
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B.Benli, "Nanotechnology and Clay Based Nanostructures since Ancient Times", Clay
Science and Technology, Kibited, Vol. 3 (1) 2008, 143-162.
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESSES
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B.Benli, C.Yalın, 2014 “Electrical Characterization of Copper or Silver Functionalized
Sepiolite Nanofiber Coatings by Current Atomic Force Microscopy (I-AFM), NANOENERGY
2014, International Conference on Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials & Thin Films for
Energy Applications (NANOENERGY), 19-21 Şubat, University College London, UK.
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N. Coşkun, B. Aydın, O. Güven, İ. Eriş, B. Benli, 2013 “Recovery Of Fine Abrasive Garnet
From The Restoration Of Historical Buildings Wastes”, XV. Balkan Mineral Processing
Congress, BMPC2013, June, 12-16, Sozopol, Bulgaria.
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N.C.Yalın, B.Benli, 2013 “Antibacterial Nanofibre Production From Fiber Structure
Sepiolite”, XV. Balkan Mineral Processing Congress, BMPC2013, June, 12-16, Sozopol,
Bulgaria.
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C.Yalın, M.Özer, B.Benli, 2012 “Enhancement of fiber structured sepiolite clay by gravity
separation”, World Filtration Congress, WFC11, Austria.
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B. Benli, E.Caliskan, O.Ozcan, 2012 “Effect of surfactants and borax on the specific cake
resistance and filtration rate of industrial minerals”, World Filtration Congress, WFC11,
Austria.
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B. Benli, C.Yalın, 2011 “Novel potential of nanoclay and nanoclay based electrodes”
Electrochemical Horizons, Electrochem 2011, University of Bath, UK.
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B.Benli, M.F.Can, M.S.Çelik, 2011 “Influence of filler modification on the wettability and
adhesion of fiber sepiolite-epoxy nanocomposite surfaces”, XIV International Balkan
Mineral Processing Congress, June 14-16, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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T.Perek, B.Benli, F.Arslan, 2011 “Recovery of zinc from lead-zinc flotation tailings by
leaching and precipitation”, XIV International Balkan Mineral Processing Congress, June
14-16, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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B.Benli, R. Hojiyev, T. Gümüş, Y. Ulcay, A. Demir, M. S. Çelik, 2010 “Treatment of
Sepiolite for Improving Polyuretane Nanocomposite Electrospun Fibers” The Fiber Society
Spring 2010 International Conference, Bursa.
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B.Benli, S.Güvendik, M.F.Can, L.Trabzon, K.Kazmanli, H.Kızıl, M.S.Çelik, 2009 “Wettabılıty
of Hydrophılıc Nanostructured Surfaces” Nanotech Europe 2009, Nanotechnology Conf.
and Exh., 28 - 30 September 2009, Berlin.
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B. Benli, M.F.Can, F.Oruç, A.Demir, M.S.Çelik, 2009 “Electrospinning of Polyurethane/
Modified Sepiolite Nanocomposites” Nanotech Europe 2009, Nanotechnology Conf. and
Exh., 28 - 30 September 2009, Berlin.
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B.Benli, M.F.Can, F.Oruç, A.Demir, M.S.Çelik, 2009 “Advantages and Limitations of Various
Imaging Techniques for Organic and Inorganic Fibers” International Conference on
Nanomaterials amd Nanosystems (NanoMats2009), 10-13 August, 2009, Istanbul. p.22.
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B.Benli, A.N.İpekoğlu, 2008 “Preparation and Chromium (VI) Adsorption Ability of CaHydrogel Biocomposite Beads”, SBE’s 4th International Conference on Bioengineering and
Nanotechnology, Dublin, Ireland, p.51.
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B.Benli, J.Nalaskowski, M.S.Çelik, J.D.Miller, 2008 “Surface Characterization of Selected
Mineral Fillers Using Atomic Force Microscopy”, 11th Internatıonal Mıneral Processıng
Symposıum, IMPS08, 1167-1175.
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B.Benli, J.Nalaskowski, J.D.Miller, 2007 “Measurement of İnteraction Forces and Adhesion
Between Biodegradable Alginate Surfaces Using Atomic Force Microscopy”, nanoUtah07,
Utah’ s Statewide Nanotechnology Conference, SLC, Amerika, p.10.
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B.Benli, M.S.Çelik, 2007 “Rheological Properties and Characterization of Alginate/Bentonite
Biocomposite Systems’, AIChe07, American Institue of Chemical Engineering Conference,
Salt Lake City, Amerika,328q/1-10.
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B.Benli, N.Bulutcu, 2007 “The Effect of Impurities on Borax Decahyrate Crystallization in
MSMPR Crystallizer”, AIChe07, American Institue of Chemical Engineering Conference,
Salt Lake City, Amerika, 493c/1-10.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2006 “Influence of Particle Size on the Shear Strength of Mineral
Filter Cakes”, XXIII. International Mineral Processing Congress, Istanbul, 3- 8 Eylül 2006,
196-200.
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G.Görke, B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2006 ” Reverse Flotation of Trona Gangs of Kazan
Deposit in Turkey”, XXIII. International Mineral Processing Congress, Istanbul, 3- 8 Eylül
2006, 620-624.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2005 “The Relation between the Surfactant Concentration and
the Surface Charge of Clay Minerals in Pressure Filtration”, AFS2005, American Filtration
and Separation Society Annual conference, , Atlanta, US., 9-12 Nisan 2005, T12.4/1-5.
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O.Özcan, B.Benli Gönül, Zh.Nickolov, 2004 “Effect Of Sodium Carbonate In Flotation Of
Sodium Bicarbonate With DAH And SDS Collectors”, X. International Mineral Processing
Symposium, Çeşme, Turkey. Ekim- 2004, 427-431.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2004 “What Is The Optımum Surface Actıve Agent Concentratıon
In The Fıltratıon Of Clay Minerals?”, 9th World Filtration Congress (WFC9), New Orleans,
LA, US., 18- 24 Nisan 2004.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2002 “The Effect of Particle Shape on the Filtration Rate and
Shear Strength of quartz and dolomite mineral filter cakes”, COPS VI, 6th International
Symposium on the Characterization of Porous Solids, Alicante, Spain, 8-11 Mayıs, 2002,
315-322.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2002 “ The Changes of the Shear Strength of Mineral Filter Cakes
with the Saturation Degree, Compression Pressure and Surface Active Agent, ISWA 2002
Appropriate Environmental and Solid Waste Management and Technologies for
Developing Countries, 8-12 Temmuz 2002, 1471-1478.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2002 “The Investigation of The Effect of Surface Active Agent
Type And Concentration On The Shear Strength Of Filter Cakes”, IX. International
Mineral Processing Symposium, Kapadokya, Turkey, 18- 20 Eylül 2002, 96-97.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2002 ”The Relation Between Surface Active Agent and Shear
Strength in Stability of Filter Cake Slopes”, EPMR 2002, International Conference
Environmental Problems of the Mediterranean Region, Nicosia, Cyprus, 12-15 Nisan 2002,
17/1-6.
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O.Özcan, B.Benli Gönül, N.Bulutçu, 2000 “The Effect of Surface Active Agents on Pressure
and Vacuum Filtration of Different Minerals”, 8th World Filtration Congress, Brighton, UK,
3-7 Nisan 2000, 759-762.
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M.Turan, F.Arslan, B.Benli Gönül, MS.Çelik, 2000 ”Ammonia Removal from a
Contaminated Drinking Water Reservoir by Clinoptilolite”, 8th World Filtration Congress,
Brighton, UK, 3-7 Nisan 2000, 373-376.
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M.S.Çelik, B.Özdemir, M.Turan, B.Benli Gönül, 2000 “Utilization of Sepiolite in the Removal
of Ammonia from Contaminated Drinking Waters”, 8th World Filtration Congress,
Brighton, UK, 3-7 Nisan 2000, 377-380.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2000 ”The Usage of Surface Active Agents on Clay Filtration”,
10. International Metallurgy and Materials Congress, Istanbul- Turkey, 24-28 Mayıs 2000,
505-511.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, 2000 “Filtration behaviour of fine grained calcite, dolomite, kaolin
and quartz minerals in the presence and absence of the surfactants”, VIII. International
Mineral Processing Symposium, Antalya, Turkey, 16- 18 Ekim 2000, 586-588.
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B.Benli, N.İpekoğlu, 1995 “The comparison of Microwave heating and Conventional
Heating Technology in the Extraction of Pectin from Apple Pulp”, 35th IUPAC Congress,
Istanbul, 1995, P060.
NATIONAL CONGRESSES
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R.Hojiyev, F.Boylu, M.Kanık, B. Benli, G.Ersever, MS.Celik, Y.Ulcay, 2011 “The Usage of
Bentonite-type Clays as Thickener in Textile Printing”, BUTEKOM, III. Ar-ge proje pazarı,
Feb. 10-11, Bursa.
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R.Hojiyev, F.Boylu, M.Kanık, B. Benli, G.Ersever, MS.Celik, Y.Ulcay, 2011 “The potential of
Boron Compounds in Textile Industry”, BUTEKOM, III. Ar-ge proje pazarı, 10-11 Şubat,
Bursa.
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R.Hojiyev, F.Boylu, B.Benli, G.Ersever, K.Çinku, Y.Ulcay, MS.Celik, 2010, “Improvement of
High Performanced Clays for Textile Industry”, UİB tekstil ve konfeksiyon sektöründe II.
Arge proje pazarı platformu : Sürdürülebilir gelişme için tekstilde yeni ufuklar : 18 Şubat
2010 Bursa p.179-180
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G.Ersever, F.Boylu, B.Benli, M.S.Celik, R.Hojiyev, M.Kanık, Y.Ulcay, 2010, “The use of
Clays as Thickener in Textile Printing” UİB tekstil ve konfeksiyon sektöründe II. Arge proje
pazarı platformu : Sürdürülebilir gelişme için tekstilde yeni ufuklar : 18 Şubat 2010 Bursa
p.181-182.
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B.Benli, M.F.Can, T.Gümüş, R.Hojiyev, F.Boylu, A.Demir, M.S.Celik, 2010 “Enhancement of
Sepiolite for the production of electrospun nanofibers by electrospinning technique”, UİB
tekstil ve konfeksiyon sektöründe II. Arge proje pazarı platformu : Sürdürülebilir gelişme
için tekstilde yeni ufuklar : 18 Şubat 2010 Bursa, p.5-7
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B.Benli, M.F.Can, M.S. Celik, 2009 “Improving the Compatibility of Fibrous Nanoclays in
Nanocomposites”, 5. Ulusal Nanobilim ve Nanoteknoloji Konferansı (NanoTR5), Anadolu
Üniversitesi, Eskişehir, 08-12 Haziran 2009, p.375.
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B.Benli, F.Boylu, A.Selamet, M.S.Celik, 2009 “Electrokinetic and Rheological Properties of
Bentonite Added Alginate Biodegradable Composites”, 14. Ulusal Kil Sempozyumu, Ed. M.
Arslan, E. Abdioğlu, İ, Temizel, 1-3 Ekim, Trabzon, 2009, 567-575.
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M.S.Celik, B.Benli, F.Boylu, M.F.Can, F.Karakaş, O.Güven, 2009 “Nanotechnological
Studies in Mineral Processing Department: Surface and Colloid Chemistry Research
Group”, İTÜ Nano-Bilim ve Nano-Teknoloji Çalıştayı 12-13 Şubat 2009, p.3.
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B.Benli, J.Nalaskowski, M.S.Celik, J.D.Miller, 2009 “Investigation of Alginate- Clay
Nanobiocomposite Interactions by Atomic Force Microscopy Colloidal Probe Technique”,
İTÜ Nano-Bilim ve Nano-Teknoloji Çalıştayı 12-13 Şubat 2009, p.44.
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F. Boylu, K. Çinku, G. Bulut, B. Benli, T. Çetinel, M. F. Can, F. Karakaş, A.A. Sirkeci, A.
Gül, H. Yüzer, M.S. Çelik, 2009 “The Production of Industrial Products from Turkish
Bentonites“,7. Uluslararası Endüstriyel Hammaddeler Sempozyumu, Kuşadası, 25- 27
Şubat 2009, 37-53.
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B.Benli, N.Demirer, E.Konukcu, A.Tuncan, M.S.Celik 2007 “The Relations For Cation
Exchange Capacity, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bentonites in Soil Mechanics
Applications”, XIII. Ulusal Kil Sempozyumu, Kutahya, 488-499.
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P.Solmaz, B.Benli, M.A.Lav, M.S.Celik, A.H.Lav, 2007 “Reusage of Waste Foundary Sands
in the Production of Impermeable Barriers” Atık Döküm Kumunun Geçirimsiz Perde
Yapımında Tekrar Kullanımı” 2. Çevre ve Döküm Sempozyumu, 24-26 Ekim 2007, YTÜ, sf.
91-101, 1-13.
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O.Özcan, B.Benli Gönül, 2004 ” Filtration Behavior of Surfactant Added Slurry in the
Presence of Flocculants” XVIII. Ulusal Kimya Kongresi, Kars, 5- 9 Temmuz 2004, 663.
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B.Benli Gönül, O.Özcan, N.Bulutçu, 2000 “The Changes of the Shear Strength of Mineral
Filter Cakes with the Amount of Surface Active Agent”, UKMK-IV, Dördüncü Ulusal Kimya
Mühendisliği Kongresi, Avcılar, 4- 7 Eylül 2000, p.TA03.
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B.Benli, N.İpekoğlu, 1995 “The Comparison of Surface Appearance in Microwave Heating
and Conventional Heating Technology in te Extraction of Pectin”, XII the National Electron
Microscope with International Participation, Antalya, 1995, p.1.
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Z.Sarı, B.Benli, N.İpekoğlu, 1993 ” Pectin Production from the Wastes of Fruits and
Vegetables”, IX. Kimya ve Kimya Mühendisliği Sempozyumu, Trabzon, 1993, p.594.
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B.Benli, Z.Sarı, N.İpekoğlu, 1992 “Pectin Production from the Wastes”, Gıda Mühendisliği
Kongresi, İzmir, 1992, 254-260.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
THESIS
Completed M.Sc. Thesis:
Cansu YALIN, “Preparation and Characterization of Functionalized Sepiolitic Clay Nanofibers:
Antibacterial Activity and Conductive-AFM Study”, İTU. Dept. of NanoScience&NanoEngineering,
January 2014.
Continuing M.Sc. Thesis:
Yücel ÖZSOY, “Biooxidation of Refractory Gold Ores and Cyanide Leaching”, ITU. Dept. of Mineral
Processing Eng.
B.Sc.Thesis in ITU. Dept. of Mineral Processing Eng.
Emir Numanoğlu, “Investigation of Inorganic Nanofiber Production from Fibrous Sepiolite”, 2014.
Nazif Coşkun, “Recovery of Fine Abrasive Garnet from the Restoration of Historical Buildings
Wastes”, 2013.
Büşra Ata, "Enhancement of Sepiolite Fibers", 2012.
Tuğba Karakaş, "Investigation of Fibrous Sepiolite Dispersions in Organic Solvents", 2012.