Librarian
About the AAEL Materials Collection
Stop by the Art, Architecture & Engineering Library to see and touch materials for creative inspiration. Our in-house collection consists of samples of more than 1000 materials, a selected subset of the over 7,500 materials found in the Material ConneXion® database, as well as materials we purchase. Material ConneXion® is a leading global platform for innovative and sustainable materials used in design, building and manufacturing.
Our materials are housed in room 2420 on the east side of the second floor of the Art, Architecture and Engineering Library. This collection is available for in-house use to any university faculty, staff, or student. Please stop by to see and touch the materials!
- Material ConneXion at AAELA listing of over 1000 materials at Art, Architecture & Engineering Library from Material ConneXion. Please ask staff for access to materials.
Material Conversations - Discussions about Materials Research at UofM
We've suspended the Material Conversations series, our monthly brownbag devoted to a discussion of materials research at the university, for the time being. We hope to reinstate the series once we're all back onsite.
News in the Materials World
Keep up with the Latest Materials News!
- Bendable Concrete Developed at UofMBendable concrete, developed at the University of Michigan, not only improves the structural capacity of the concrete, but significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
- Michigan Materials Research Institute LaunchedThe university is launching the Michigan Materials Research Institute in an effort to provide a hub to integrate materials research across the university.
- Prof Miki Banu Awarded for Materials ResearchMechanical Engineering Professor Miki Banu was recognized with the Research Faculty Achievement Award for her work with green technology and sustainable manufacturing.
- ALMMII - American Lightweight Metals Manufacturing Innovation InstituteLightweight metals development will soon have a home in Detroit. The endeavor is a partnership between the University of Michigan, The University of Ohio, and EWI, a manufacturing technology non-profit.
- Architecture Professors Create Carbon-Fiber Building ModulesExtremely light-weight, but structurally sound -- a new carbon-fiber module for construction forms the basis of experimental structures by Glenn Wilcox and Anca Trandafirescu.
- New Materials and Processes Explored in Taubman College Research through Making ProjectsSeveral diverse projects mark the 2018 Research Through Making program of Taubman College from concrete form to woven fabric to joinery.
- Icephobic Coating Developed at UMMaterials Science associate professor, Anish Tuteja, and her team of researchers have developed a rubbery icephobic coating to help repel ice from rigid surfaces like your windshield.
- Kirigami Art applied to electronicsUM Engineering professors use Japanese art of paper cutting to allow electronics to be rolled up, folded, stretched and otherwise formed for all sorts of new applications.
- MSU Researchers Develop Transparent Solar PanelMSU colleagues have developed a transparent solar power collecting panel, changing the look and potential for solar energy.
- New Material developed at UofM to Thwart CounterfeitersUofM College of Engineering researchers have developed a new breath (humidity) activated sheet to help identify counterfeit products. The iridescent sheets reveal a logo or identifying image when breathed upon.
- New Studies for an Old MaterialThe NSF is sponsoring the investigation of the conductive and maleable properties of Gallium, a liquid metal. Scientists are curious whether gallium could be a stretchable metal. Read more about it at the link.
- NSF: From tea bags to Miatas, bioplastics are on the riseResearchers are working on more environmentally friendly materials: bioplastics derived from biomass and/or the digest of microbes. Read on for a great summary of the drive for green polymers.
- TransmaterialA blog devoted to "materials that redefine our physical environment."
- UM Engineers develop heat-conducting plasticResearchers in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering have developed a new polymer that will conduct heat. Read more about this new development in materials science!
Researching Materials and Material Properties
For research on materials, try the ProQuest Material Science Collection of databases.
Engineering Village may also be worth consulting.
For data on materials properties (hardness, density, thermal conductivity, tensile strength, etc.), try ASM Handbooks and/or Knovel:Engineering and Scientific Reference Resources or Matweb.
Material ConneXion Database
The Material ConneXion® database offers a knowledge base with an eclectic collection of over 7,500 innovative materials and processes. The database is updated regularly and frequently with materials juried by a panel of material specialists. Coverage includes all disciplines of design development with the largest selection of sustainable materials and the only Cradle to Cradle materials library in the world.
Product Information on the Web for Building and Designing
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ARCAT - Building MaterialsBuilding product information for the architectural and spec writing communities.
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Architonic: the independent resource for architecture and designClick on the Materials link for a sampling and access to new materials.
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The A to Z of MaterialsMaterials information source for the engineering and design community.
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Building Materials (by McGraw-Hill Sweets)The Sweets directory of building product information can be searched by manufacturer, product, or product type.
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CMD (formerly Reed Construction Data)CMD provides commercial construction information. Browse product information and search construction data, news, and building codes. Some parts of the site require free registration.
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International Molybdenum Association: Architectural Design Resources for Stainless SteelCase studies in stainless steel uses in architecture published by the Int'l Molybdenum Association.
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IQS (Industrial Quick Search) DirectoryThe IQS Directory is a comprehensive listing of manufacturers and suppliers serving major segments of the OEM industrial manufacturing marketplace across the United States and Canada.
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Material DistrictMaterial District (formerly Materia), based in the Netherlands, is a global network of innovative materials.
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Materials Lab, UT AustinThis is a web directory of materials and building products websites created by a student at UT-Austin School of Architecture.
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Materials Library at Institute of MakingDescriptions and images of materials curated by the Institute of Making in London.
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Sustainable Sources - Green Building MaterialsListing of typical building materials with discussion about aspects of sustainability.
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Thomas Register of American ManufacturersA searchable catalog of industrial products and services.