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
- University of Calgary, Chem. & Petroleum Engineering – Seminar Series on January 28, 2020
- University of Calgary, Dept. of Chemistry – Seminar Series on January 31, 2020
- GLOBE 2020 – Clean Economy Innovation Panel on February 10, 2020 - February 12, 2020
- Spring ACS 2020 National Meeting, Philadelphia on March 22, 2020 - March 25, 2020
- Canadian Chemistry Conference – CCCE 2020, Winnipeg on May 24, 2020 - May 28, 2020
- TAPPI Nano 2020, Helsinki, Finland on June 8, 2020 - June 11, 2020
- Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, CCEC 2020, Ottawa on October 25, 2020 - October 28, 2020
- McGill University, Dept. of Chemistry – Seminar Series on November 17, 2020
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
