Dr. Robert Pelton – Faculty of Engineering

Overview

Research Interests

Applying colloid, polymer and nanoparticle science to important challenges in the Canadian forest products industry.

Research Relevance

Canada makes important contributions to achieving the vision of a more sustainable bio-economy in which innovative, bio-based approaches will replace petrochemical products and processes. With 10% of the world’s forests, our traditional pulp and paper industries have much to offer the bio-economy transformation. Our research is focused on developing new materials based upon cellulose fibers.

Research Philosophy

Our projects take a fundamental mechanistic approach to important Canadian problems. We publish in good journals, and have active industrial partners. As result, my students go on to establish successful careers in the industries related to their university research. I believe research must have impact. For graduate students, impact requires good publications; for industry partners impact means new understanding leading to new technology.

I am no longer accepting new graduate students.

Publications

View more Publications

Biography

Robert Pelton is a professor of chemical engineering at McMaster University and holds the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Interfacial Technologies. Working with 60+ graduate students, 36 post docs, and 100+ summer students, Pelton’s team has produced more than 315 peer reviewed publications and 10500 citations (ISI H index 49) involving a wide range of topics in colloid and polymer science. Best known for his invention of polyNIPAM thermosensitive microgels and his vision of the SENTINEL Bioactive Paper initiative, Pelton has won a number of awards, including the Technical Association of the American Pulp and Paper Association (TAPPI) Van den Akker Award for paper physics (2013), Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award, Chemical Institute of Canada (2009), and the 2010 Faculty of Engineering Research Achievement Award, McMaster University. Pelton is a TAPPI fellow and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

Pelton current works in the areas of papermaking technologies, bioactive paper, colloids, water-soluble polymers, adhesion, and interfacial aspects of agriculture.

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Education

B.Sc. U. of Guelph Chemistry (1970)
M.Sc. U. of Guelph Chemistry (1971)
Ph.D. Colloid Chemistry, Bristol University (1976)

Achievements

2022, TAPPI William H. Aiken Prize for Research and Development.
2020, John S. Bates Memorial Gold Medal, PAPTAC
Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
Canada Research Chair – Interfacial Technologies
Founding Director of McMaster Centre for Pulp and Paper Research.
Associate Faculty Member of Chemistry Department
Winner, Jasper Mardon Memorial Prize for the best papermaking paper
Winner, Synergy Award 1996, for best collaborations with industry (Dorset)
TAPPI Fellow
Fellow The Royal Society of Canada
Winner LeSueur Memorial Award March 2012
Winner CIC Macromolecular Science & Engineering Award 2009
Member McMaster University Board of Governors
Member Review Committee of the Pulp and Paper Fundamental Research Society
Member Editorial Advisory Board for Lanmuir, Cellulose, J. Wood Science
Member Scientific Advisory Board – Wallenberg Wood Science Centre
Winner 2013 TAPPI, Van Den Akker Medal
Winner 2010 Faculty of Engineering Research Achievement Award, McMaster University
Winner Derek Page Award for the best paper in Journal Pulp & Paper Science 2005

Related Courses

Code	Title	Instructor	Outline	Info
CHEM ENG 4Z03/6Z03 Graduate	Interfacial Engineering	Dr. Robert Pelton	Outline	More