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Faculty of ForestryCranston Research Group - Sustainable Nano Biocomposites Lab
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  • Three beakers holding bits of nanocellulose material

    Picture 10

  • A 3D render of the microscopic view of a nanocellulose material

    Picture 9

  • Multiple closed beakers holding a while liquid material

    Picture 8

  • 3D render of a metal tube carrying nanocellulose material

    Picture 7

  • Students together on a hike

    Picture 6

  • Microscopic view of multiple composite materials side by side

    Picture 5

  • Two beakers with green and blue plastics floating in liquid

    Picture 4

  • Bloriana Cynthia 2021

    Picture 3

  • High strength nano building block

    Picture 2

  • Dr. Emily Cranston using tweezers to pull nanocellulose material out of small beaker

    Picture 1

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

  • Gordon Research Conference: on June 1, 2025 – June 6, 2025
  • WWSC International Conference: on June 15, 2025 – June 18, 2025
  • ACS Colloids Edmonton: on June 22, 2025 – June 26, 2025
  • TAPPI NANO 2025: on July 8, 2025 – July 11, 2025
  • SMART 2025 – Emerging Engineered Wood for Buildings: on August 17, 2025 – August 19, 2025
  • EPNOE 2025: on August 25, 2025 – August 28, 2025
  • ADM 2025: on October 1, 2025- October 4, 2025
  • CSChE 2025: On October 5, 2025- October 8, 2025
  • ACS Spring 2026: On March 22, 2026- March 26, 2026

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
Check out our recent activities & updates on Twitter
Wood Science and Chemical and Biological Engineering
Faculty of Forestry
Vancouver Campus
2424 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
Website cranstongroup.forestry.ubc.ca
Email emily.cranston@ubc.ca
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