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Aldehyde capture material development story

Taeko Shimizu, a researcher at the Mazda Technical Research Center, has contributed to the development of Mazda's new "Aldehyde Capture Material". Her dedicated efforts as well as Mazda's advanced technology have greatly helped succeed in the development of the effective aldehyde capture material.

Since she joined the company, she has been involved in a number of research on component analysis, of harmful substances in exhaust emission and odorous components exist in vehicle cabins. Two years ago, Ms. Shimizu learned to get interested in a odor component, "aldehyde," when she was working on a project of the deodorizing filter which removes odors in vehicle cabins. Around that time, she had heard a child of her friend suffered from "sick house syndrome." She again realized that aldehyde was also causing problems at home more seriously than in a car. Although she had been always concerned about air-purification through her work, she was not familiar that aldehyde could affect people at the time. Learning more about harmful influence of aldehydes, she was more motivated into the research, as a mother, to solve this problem that might be capable of affecting even her family.

Activated charcoal conventionally used for removing aldehydes, was not so competent. Thus, she sought to find more effective way with her experience and expertise. What she reached then, was to eliminate "aldehyde" by chemical reaction. Cooperating along with other departments, she proceeded the research till evaluation. She showed great leadership in every occasion, which greatly contributed to the success in the development of the new aldehyde capture materials.

Ms. Shimizu stated, "Car is one of the important living space, and its comfort is essential. This Aldehyde Capture material will surely provide further safe and comfortable space for your health in vehicles. The aldehydes is causing serious problem at home other than in vehicles. I hope this materials will be applied in a wide range of industries, including home appliances and housing, so that it will help to give many people pleasant life."

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