Expertise
Polymer colloids, water soluble polymers, interfacial engineering, flocculation, adhesion, cellulose, and pulp and paper technology
Areas of Specialization
Research Clusters
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Professor
Chemical 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.
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.
To receive a full up to date CV from Dr. Robert Pelton, click here.
- B.Sc. U. of Guelph Chemistry (1970)
- M.Sc. U. of Guelph Chemistry (1971)
- Ph.D. Colloid Chemistry, Bristol University (1976)
- 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