Rowan Group

Céline Calvino

Céline completed her MS degree from the department of chemistry at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, with a focus in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and materials science. She finalized her master’s thesis at Asulab, a division of The Swatch Group R&D Ltd investigating the formation of homogeneous and resistant anchors layers on the surface of watch components, and on the introduction of the epilam (anti-spreading agent) effect using controlled polymerization processes via “grafting from” and “grafting to” methods. At the end of 2018, Céline completed her PhD in polymer chemistry and materials at Adolphe Merkle Institute under the supervision of Professor Christoph Weder. Her thesis focused on the development of chromogenic systems relying on supramolecular interactions and on their incorporation into polymers to create new functional mechanoresponsive materials. Céline joined Stuart Rowan’s group as postdoctoral fellow with a SNFS Mobility Fellowship seeking to enhance her knowledge of covalent dynamic chemistry, the utilization of cellulose nanocrystals, and materials engineering.

Céline's research focuses on the use of dynamic covalent chemistry to functionalize cellulose nanocrystals. Other foci include the development of appropriate engineering melt processes for the preparation of mechanically performant sustainable nanocomposite materials.

Development, Processing and Applications of Bio-sourced Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites

Calvino, C., Macke, N., Kato, R. & Rowan, S. J. Development, processing and applications of bio-sourced cellulose nanocrystal composites. Progress in Polymer Science (2020). doi:10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2020.101221