°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â

CAMBR has extensive expertise and facilities for the synthesis and processing of materials including polymers, composites, and nanomaterials.

The first critical step in the development and study of new materials is their synthesis/preparation. This is a key strength that spans all three faculties. In particular, the synthesis of new organic and inorganic polymers both from a fundamental reactivity standpoint and for a diverse array of applications is an area of strength. The development of composite materials is also an emerging strength, bolstered by the establishment of the . Because of the multitude of collaborative opportunities in the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, the preparation of new biomaterials, both synthetic and naturally derived, has also been an area of substantial growth during the past several years. Furthermore, we have expertise in the synthesis of both organic and inorganic nanomaterials for both energy and biomedical applications.

CAMBR Faculty

Our researchers use computational modeling approaches including density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo methods to aid in our understanding of the relationship between macroscopic materials properties and their atomic-scale structure.

Understanding the relationship between macroscopic material properties and their atomic-scale structure is a primary goal of materials and biomaterials research. Computational modeling serves as a valuable alternative and complement to experimental work, and can potentially provide a more efficient and systematic approach. At °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â, we have expertise spanning a range of techniques used to model materials and predict their properties including quantum calculations of few atom phenomena; density functional theory to calculate electronic structure; molecular dynamics to investigate transport and surface phenomena; and Monte Carlo methods to model longer-time behavior. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â has been a leader in securing funding for, and maintaining, Canada’s computing infrastructure. For example, we are the institutional administrative lead for the Compute Canada project, funded by the CFI.

CAMBR Faculty

Materials characterization is a long-standing strength at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â, with strong expertise in synchrotron radiation research, mass spectrometry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman, infrared, and non-linear spectroscopic methods, x-ray diffraction, the study of electronic and optical nano-devices, rheology, and mechanical properties measurements.

The characterization of materials to understand their structure and properties is essential to confirm their synthesis and to understand and predict their function. Materials characterization is an area of long-standing strength at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â. We have been a pioneering institution in Canadian synchrotron radiation research and the establishment of the Soochow-°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â Centre for Synchrotron Radiation Research in 2012 has enhanced our international profile in this area. We also have expertise in a wide range of other characterization techniques.

CAMBR Faculty

Surface science is a core strength at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â, with expertise in electrochemistry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, scanning Auger microscopy, ion beam analysis and ion implantation, and nanofabrication techniques.

Since the founding of Surface Science °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â in 1981, this area has been a core strength at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â. Expertise in electrochemistry and materials corrosion are complemented by the expertise in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, scanning Auger microscopy, scanning electron microscopy. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â is also home to the Tandetron Accelerator, which is unique in Canada, and enables our researchers to undertake a range of projects using ion beam analysis and ion implantation. The °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â Nanofabrication Facility is nationally known for excellence in focused ion beam milling and surface patterning.

CAMBR Faculty

CAMBR researchers are studying the interactions between materials and biological systems using in vitro and in vivo models, as well as a range of different medical imaging methods and contrast agents.

For materials designed to interact with biological systems, studies of their properties both in vitro (with cells) and in vivo (in animal models) are a critical component of their characterization. At °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â, we have extensive expertise in both cell and animal models that allow us to evaluate the function and biocompatibility of both synthetic and naturally-derived biomaterials. Linkages to clinical faculty at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â and our affiliated health research institutes provide excellent opportunities for translational research. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ô¤²â has a particular strength in contrast to agent development and imaging spanning from microscopy to pre-clinical and clinical models that enable us to track and image our biomaterials.

CAMBR Faculty