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Properties Data for Chemicals & Materials: Best General Sources

Last Updated: Jan 8, 2024 4:31 PM

This guide will lead you to vast collections of properties data.  Use the BEST GENERAL SOURCES below to get started but don't neglect to use the tabs above to find specialized properties by material type (chemicals, metals, polymers, etc.)

Best General Sources for Properties Data

  • CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics  UB ONLY

    This classic handbook contains hundreds of tables of critically evaluated data. The handbook is revised annually. Coverage includes analytical chemistry, astronomy, atomic and molecular physics, biochemistry, constants and units, electrochemistry, isotopes, fluid properties, geophysics, health and safety information, materials properties, nuclear and particle physics, polymer properties, and thermochemistry. You now also have the option to perform a search by drawing a chemical structure.

  • International Critical Tables of Numerical Data UB ONLY

    This classic and well-known reference was originally published from 1926-1930 for the National Research Council in 7 volumes. It contains an enormous amount of critical data on inorganic and organic compounds, and pure substances. Featuring physical, thermodynamic, mechanical, and other key properties, it is a major reference source used by those involved in chemistry, physics, and engineering. In 2003, Knovel undertook the conversion of this publication into a full-text searchable electronic format that makes data easily accessible.

  • NIST Chemistry WebBook   PUBLIC

    This database contains high quality, critically reviewed data compiled by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Up to 45 thermochemical, thermophysical, and ion energetics properties are available for over 40,000 compounds. Included is reaction thermochemistry data and a variety of spectra, when available. The database is predominantly organic with a few inorganic compounds. To browse other high quality NIST databases, visit the NIST Data Gateway, which provides information for over 94 NIST databases (Note: Some are not free.)

  • ThermoLit   PUBLIC

    ThermoLit is a free database from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that allows you to zero in on literature references covering over four million thermophysical and thermochemical property data points of compounds, systems, and reactions. Use the search system to select the "System Type" (pure compounds, binary mixtures, or tertiary mixture), then enter the compound names, molecular formulas, or CAS Registry Numbers, next select the desired "Property Group," e.g,, critical properties, phase transition properties, or refractive index, and depending on the property group selected, specify a specific property (e.g., critical temperature) and phase (solid, liquid, gas, etc). A highly relevant set of literature references will be returned which can be saved as a PDF file.

  • MatWeb: The On-line Materials Information Resource  PUBLIC

    MatWeb provides free data for over 25,400 materials including polymers, metals, alloys, superalloys, ceramics, glass, fibers, composites, semiconductors, and aerogels. Up to 75 properties are available for each material. Searching can be done by material type, trade name, specification number, manufacturer, up to three different property ranges, and alloy composition ranges. For a small subscription fee, additional features and search options are available. Knovel, which the UB Libraries subscribes to, now contains subsets of these materials data sheets and you can find them using the tabs above for Metals, Composites, and Plastics.

  • Yaws' Critical Property Data for Chemical Engineers and Chemists  UB ONLY

    This database contains over 290,000 data records covering physical, thermophysical, thermodynamic, transport, safety, and environmental properties for over 5,000 inorganic substances and over 35,000 organic substances.

  • Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook  UB ONLY

    Full-text online access to the 8th edition of Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, the classic chemical engineering reference work.

Additional Print Resources

  • Kaye and Laby Tables of Physical and Chemical Constants

    Designed as a convenient reference for researchers, students, and engineers, this resource includes tables of physical and chemical data, laboratory safety and quality assurance, statistical methods. NOTE: The information contained in Kaye and Laby is no longer being updated by the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL). An archived copy can be found here.

  • Thermophysical Properties of High Temperature Solid Materials

    This major multi-volume set covers specific heat, thermal expansion, viscosity, thermal diffusivity, thermal radiative properties, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion for a wide range of materials. Available in print only in the Lockwood Library Science & Engineering Reference Collection, call number REF QC173.397.P87.

  • Landolt-Bornstein Numerical Data & Functional Relationships in Science & Technology

    This multi-volume print resource is currently available only in print in the Lockwood Library Science & Engineering Reference Collection under the call number REF QC61.L3

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