Michael K.C. Tam

Michael K.C. Tam is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and a University Research Chair at the University of Waterloo.

His research focuses on the microscopic and macroscopic properties of nanomaterials, self-assembly systems such as surfactants, block copolymers, and associative polymers. The scope of his work includes polymer synthesis using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), physical characterization using light scattering (static and dynamic), rheometry, and calorimetry (ITC and DSC). Professor Tam aims to correlate the polymer architecture to the microscopic and macroscopic properties of novel self-assembly systems. The potential applications of his research are in water purification, oil and gas, bio and chemical separations, personal and home care products and environmentally friendly coating systems.

Professor Tam is also conducting research on the field of sustainable nano materials from renewable resources. In collaboration with Celluforce Inc., a company that operates the first cellulose nanocrystals pilot plant production facility, he aims to functionalize cellulose nanocrystals for water treatment, cosmetics, personal care, coatings and food, among other purposes.

In recognition of his research work, Professor Tam was presented with the Harold Jan Shoemaker Award for the best paper published in the Journal of Hydraulic Research between 1990 and 1992. Additionally in 2005, Professor Tam was the recipient of the Tan Chin Tuan Fellowship from the Physical Chemistry Division at Lund University in Sweden.

• Biochemical & Biomedical
• enhanced drug delivery systems
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology
• Water-soluble fullerene systems
• Responsive self-assembly systems
• Magnetic nanoparticles for separation processes
• Atom transfer radical polymerization
• Stimuli responsive polymeric systems
• Interfacial Phenomena
• Colloids & Porous Media
• Sustainable Nanomaterials
• Associative polymers for environmentally friendly coatings
• Magnetic nanoparticles for novel separation processes
• Cellulose nanocrystals
• Polymer-surfactant interactions
• Additive Manufacturing
• Water
• Separation Processes

• 1991, Doctorate, Chemical Engineering, Monash University
• 1982, Bachelor's, Chemical Engineering, Monash University

• CHE 100 - Chemical Eng'g Concepts 1
  • Taught in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
• CHE 745 - Res. Tpcs in Polymer Science
  • Taught in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
• NE 335 - Soft Nanomaterials
  • Taught in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

• Ouyang, Zhaofeng and Xu, Dewen and Yu, Hou-Yong and Li, Shenghong and Song, Yi and Tam, Kam Chiu, Novel ultrasonic-coating technology to design robust, highly sensitive and wearable textile sensors with conductive nanocelluloses, Chemical Engineering Journal, 428, 2022
• Baek, Jiyoo and Ramasamy, Mohankandhasamy and Willis, Natasha Carly and Kim, Dae Sung and Anderson, William A and Tam, Kam C, Encapsulation and controlled release of vitamin C in modified cellulose nanocrystal/chitosan nanocapsules, Current Research in Food Science, 4, 2021, 215 - 223
• Guo, Zonglei and Liu, Jie and Li, Yanyan and Lin, Haifeng and Wang, Hui and Tam, Kam Chiu and Liu, Guangyong, Effects of dispersion techniques on the emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, Colloid and Polymer Science, 2021, 1 - 13
• Abdalkarim, Somia Yassin Hussain and Chen, Lu-Min and Yu, Hou-Yong and Li, Fang and Chen, Xiang and Zhou, Ying and Tam, Kam Chiu, Versatile nanocellulose-based nanohybrids: A promising-new class for active packaging applications, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021
• Mohammed, Nishil and Lian, Han and Islam, Muhammad Shahidul and Strong, MacKenzie and Shi, Zengqian and Berry, Richard M and Yu, Hou-Yong and Tam, Kam Chiu, Selective adsorption and separation of organic dyes using functionalized cellulose nanocrystals, Chemical Engineering Journal, 417, 2021

• Researcher wins $800K in support for COVID project

• Currently considering applications from graduate students. A completed online application is required for admission; start the application process now.
• Has Approved Doctoral Dissertation Supervisor (ADDS) status