Croll has done research in a wide variety of areas from a polymer physicist’s perspective. He has published over 95 technical papers. He has done major research on internal shrinkage stresses in coatings and the first to demonstrate the connection between coating solidification and the glass transition temperature as controlled by solvent content in the coating and its impact on coating adhesion. He also has studied the drying of latex films proposing that films form packed layers of latex in a fairly sudden transition to a solid film that was subsequently proven and is the accepted morphology of latex film formation. In studies of the molecular dynamics of crosslinked polymers, he showed how they deviate from the statistical theories of ideal network formation (Flory, Stockmayer, etc.). Furthermore, he demonstrated that defects arise as an intrinsic part of the random timing and spatial distribution of reactions between the precursor chemicals and may have a significant effect on crosslink density and other properties, depending on the functionality and preparation conditions for the network.

In quantitative studies of degradation due to weathering of coatings, Croll developed a stochastic model for deterioration in coating properties that links molecular scale damage to the effect on macroscopic properties such as gloss, toughness etc. via well-known models of physical properties. This approach actually can provide a quantitative estimate of service lifetime.

Croll has done research in art conservation science, especially providing insight into the properties and durability of modern artists’ acrylic paints and more traditional oil paints. He also has done research in water pipeline coatings, especially showing the problems in adhesion measurements and the subsequent limitations in predicting corrosion protection. He also has studied paint stripping and applied the Flory-Rehner Equation and the Griffith Fracture Criterion to paint stripping.

In 2012, Croll received the Mattiello Lecture award from the American Coatings Association. He also has provided service to the coatings community. He is on the Editorial Review Board of Progress in Organic Coatings and Journal of Coatings Technology Research and has been a reviewer. He also has been on many organizing committees. Croll also has provided consulting to local, national and international companies, as well as providing education in coatings science to industrial companies and professional societies.

Croll will receive the Tess Award from Dr. Christopher L. Soles, Chair of the PMSE Division, in August 2017 during the 254^th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, DC. An evening reception in honor of the Tess award recipient and other PMSE and POLY award winners also will be held.

The Tess Award is presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to coatings science, engineering and technology.