Applying colloid, polymer and nanoparticle science to important challenges in the Canadian forest products industry.
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.
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.
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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Code | Title | Instructor | Outline | Info |
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CHEM ENG 4Z03/6Z03 Graduate | Interfacial Engineering |
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