Derek Gray's Cellulose Research Web Page

Derek Gray is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Chemistry, McGill University
Mailing address: 3420 University Street, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2A7
Email

Research interests:

We are interested in the physical properties of cellulose, the most abundant material in the natural world. As the major structural material in green plants, it provides a sustainable, carbon-neutral source of nontoxic, biodegradable materials. Our research focuses mainly on the preparation and properties of cellulose nanocrystals, the surface properties of cellulose and paper, and the liquid crystalline properties of cellulose-derived materials.

 

Awards:

·         1994 Anselme Payen Award, ACS Cellulose and Renewable Materials Division

·         2013 NSERC Synergy Award (McGill/FPInnovations/Celluforce)

·         2013 Marcus Wallenberg Prize (Sweden) for cellulose nanocrystal research.

Publications:

Publication list - Derek Gray [.pdf]

More about discoveries and current research:

Liquid crystalline cellulose derivatives Liquid crystalline suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals Preparation of iridescent films and reflective pigments from cellulose Structure of iridescent self-assembled cellulose nanocrystal films Films cast from cellulose nanocrystal suspensions make smooth flat model cellulose I surfaces Polyelectrolyte multilayers containing cellulose nanocrystals Phase equilibrium in nanocrystal suspensions with added polymer Quantum dots incorporated in water-dispersible film Nucleation of polypropylene crystallization by cellulose nanocrystal surfaces Biocidal paper for emergency water purification Chiral cellulose structures in plants Chiral structure and material properties of cellulose, wood fibres and paper Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals Reinforcing PVA gels with cellulose nanocrystals