Welcome to the Cranston Research Group!
Our research aims to design high-performance materials to replace those that are based on non-renewable resources by learning from nature and using biological components. Currently, the bio-component of choice is nanocellulose. Specifically, this work includes investigating and modifying interfacial properties between nanocomposite components and encompasses disciplines including polymer, colloid and surface chemistry, chemical and materials engineering, and pulp and paper science.
Our Upcoming Talks
- CSC 2024 on June 2, 2024 - June 6, 2024
- TAPPI Nano Conference 2024 on June 10, 2024 - June 14, 2024
- ACS Colloids Seattle on June 23, 2024 - June 26, 2024
- European Colloids and Interface Science Conference on September 1, 2024 - September 6, 2024
- International Paper Physics Conference 2024 on September 30, 2024 - October 2, 2024
- Fujihara International Symposium on Nanocellulose 2024 on September 30, 2024 - October 3, 2024
- PRiME Electrochemistry Conference on October 6, 2024 - October 11, 2024
- Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference (CSChE 2024) on October 6, 2024 - October 9, 2024
- ACS Spring 2025 on March 23, 2025 - March 27, 2025
Research & Areas of Interest
- Cellulose nanocrystals & cellulose nanofibrils
- Hybrid & nanocomposite materials
- Biopolymers
- Organic thin films/coatings
- Biomimetic materials
- Mechanical testing of nanomaterials
- Surface modification of nanoparticles
- Cellulose foams/gels/Pickering emulsions
- AFM: imaging and surface forces, adhesion, and friction
- Adsorption measurements by QCM-D, SPR and ellipsometry
