Colloid probe atomic force microscopy (AFM) measures intersurface forces at pN and nm scale.
Research snapshot: buckling mechanical tests, AFM, nanocrystalline cellulose, thin films, liquid crystal ...
We could make a lot of cellulose nanocrystals from
this tree! (Dr. Cranston & redwood tree, California)
We can prepare biomimetic thin films of cellulose which are brightly colored, similar to butterfly wings.
Buckling based metrology can help us measure mechanical properties of sub-nanometer materials.
Two important doors to remember!
Visit us in JHE lab 363 (or office A412).
Heera and Kevin - Getting things set up!
Freeze-dried cellulose nanocrystals ready for characterization and functionalization.
Looking for liquid crystal behaviour with 3D movie glasses!
Lots of dialysis to get the purest nanocrystalline cellulose and surface modifications.
Research crew- December 2011.
Research crew- December 2012.
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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 and surface chemistry, nanotribology, and pulp and paper science. |
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2012-Dec. 19: Click here to see recent media coverage of nanocellulose.
2012-Dec. 5: Submit an abstract to our CSC Symposium (SS &MT): Surface Science of Biomimetic Films, "Green" Materials & Sustainable Nanocomposites.
2012-Oct. 17: Congratulations to Kevin on his poster award at the CSChE conference in Vancouver!
2012-Oct. 14-17: Join us in Vancouver for CSChE fun!
New printable research flyer, available thanks to MILO. |
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- Nanocrystalline cellulose & nanofibrillated cellulose
- Organic thin films/ coatings
- Biomimetic self-assembled monolayers
- Mechanical testing of nanomaterials
- Cellulose foams/gels/pickering emulsions
- AFM: imaging and surface forces, adhesion, and friction
- Adsorption mesurements by QCM-D, SPR and ellipsometry
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Oct. 11-12, 2012
Nano Ontario Conf. |
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Oct. 14-17, 2012
62nd Canadian Chem. Eng. |
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Nov. 16, 2012
Cellulose Research Int.
SUNY-ESF |
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Nov. 28, 2012
Western |
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Dec. 5, 2012
Polymac Conference (McMaster) |
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March 14, 2013
Waterloo |
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March 21, 2013
McMaster (Chemical Engineering Seminar Series) |
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April 7-11, 2013
ACS New Orleans |
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May 5-8, 2013
Surface Canada 2013 |
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May 26-30, 2013
96th Canadian Chem. Conf. |
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June 24-27, 2013
TAPPI Nanotech Conf. |
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International Year of Chemistry |
Email for schedules/locations and
more information |
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