A Canadian Perspective on Nanocellulose as an Emerging Nanomaterial
Dr. Emily D. Cranston, PhD

By learning from nature and using bio-based building blocks, we can engineer sustainable high-performance materials with improved functionality. Nanocellulose - cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose filaments (CF) - is entering the marketplace as a new ingredient for formulated chemical products, composites and engineering processing technologies. Although cellulose is the most abundant natural substance on earth, nanocellulose is anything but common – it possesses exceptionally high mechanical strength and aligns in electromagnetic fields; it is more chemically, colloidally and thermally stable than most bio-based materials; it exhibits unique optical and self-assembly properties, all while retaining the non-toxicity and biodegradability of cellulose. Historically, Canada has played an important role in nanocellulose R&D and commercialization, and we continue to lead efforts to develop the nanocellulose market globally. I will present a “Canadian perspective” on nanocellulose research, highlighting key contributions, industrial production, standards development, and the current application suites. While potential end-uses of nanocellulose span paper, packaging, cement, rubbers, textiles, electronics and absorbents, I will highlight my group’s contributions in the area of nanocellulose-stabilized emulsions and latexes for applications in cosmetics, food, paints, coatings and adhesives.

Tuesday,  Jan. 28, 2020
2 to 3:15 p.m.
ENG 224, University of Calgary (Main Campus)