The Research Centre on Advanced Materials of Université Laval (CERMA) in Quebec City is dedicated to fundamental and applied studies aiming at developing materials that can benefit Quebec society.
Reproduction of the upper part of a pig femur by 3D printing (right: real bone; left: printed model; center: 3D representation of the geometric conformity between the printed model and the bone)
Its mandate is to advance fundamental and applied knowledge in materials science, train highly qualified personnel and contribute to the Quebec innovation ecosystem. We are committed to promoting collaborative projects between our teams and with industry.
CERMA is a research center recognized by the Commission de la recherche de l’Université Laval and is part of the Centre québécois sur les matériaux fonctionnels (CQMF), a research center supported by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologie (FQRNT). CERMA is also funded by a grant from the Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation, in support of strategic technology platforms from the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec.
A mat of lignin microfibrils formed by electrospinning to form materials lighter and stronger than steel
With 22 faculty members, 185 students, 15 postdoctoral fellows and 15 research professionals and technicians, the Centre brings together researchers from a variety of backgrounds such as pharmacy, electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, medicine and wood science. The presence of such diversified members coming from four faculties (science and engineering, forestry, medicine and pharmacy) allows each one to find the expertise necessary for the advancement of his or her research work. In addition, the equipment owned by the center is available to all members as well as to external users, whether academic, governmental or industrial.
“Advanced materials” refers to any material that offers an advantage over conventional materials, whether in terms of performance, application, manufacturing or environmental or social impact. CERMA’s four research axes are biomaterials, nanomaterials, natural and synthetic polymers, and surfaces and interfaces. While some of the work is very fundamental and seeks to understand the organization of materials or the molecular interactions that guide their formation or stability, others are more applied. The fields of application are vast and include medicine (tissue regeneration, prostheses/implants, therapeutic treatments, diagnostics), optoelectronics (solar cells, organic conductors), energy (bacterial cells), nanoparticles, recycling (plastics) and valorisation (wood lignin, plastic in concrete), wood industry (eco-friendly construction, surface treatments), etc.
