Deakin concrete research samples new addition to fine arts materials library

Samples from two concrete research projects led by Deakin University's Dr Riyadh Al-Ameri are now part of the collection at the recently opened Fisher Fine Arts Materials Library in the United States.

Dr Al-Ameri, senior lecturer in civil engineering in Deakin's School of Engineering, initially received a request from the library for samples of the polymer concrete he and colleagues developed using ground recycled or waste glass instead of sand. The library also welcomed a donation of samples from another of Dr Al-Ameri's research projects which is using plastic waste from dialysis treatment to help better protect structural concrete from corrosion.

The Fisher Fine Arts Materials Library is part of the Penn Libraries' Fisher Fine Arts Library at the University of Pennsylvania. The Materials Library serves a 'large and diverse constituency of academics, designers, practitioners, material scientists and engineers', and hosts thousands of samples ranging from 'traditional construction materials to emergent and novel samples such as Vanta Black, electronic paint, and seaweed insulation'.

'I was pleased and honoured to receive this request from the Fisher Fine Arts Library asking for samples from our recently developed innovative construction material of polymer concrete with recycled glass,' Dr Al-Ameri says.

'Noting the history and reputation of the Fisher Fine Arts Library and the University of Pennsylvania, it makes me proud of what we have achieved at Deakin.'

Dr Al-Ameri says the samples were carefully prepared to reflect the internal composition of the materials, making them clearly visible.

'Being part of this collection, our new products will be available to the international community of scientists, designers, and engineers. I believe it is a significant exposure of our achievement at Deakin which will help strengthen the position of Australian researchers internationally.

'Also, being part of an international resource such as the new materials collection will enhance our global reach and provide great opportunities for development.'

Photos and details of the samples are also available via the library's online materials database: Polymer Concrete with Recycled Glass and Concrete with Recycled Plastic.