How to use COMAR

The international reference materials database COMAR is free of charge, but COMAR users need to be registered online:

http://www.comar.bam.de/home/login.php

Please be aware that "username" and "password" are both case sensitive and that the "password" contains at least 6 characters. COMAR does not work if cookies are turned off.

Basically, COMAR provides the following search routes:

• Search by CRM name, catalogue number or in the CRM description fieldThis easy-to-handle tool allows for a simple text search (string search) in the CRM description field.

   

• Search by catalogue of „Physical properties" (e.g. activity, enthalpy, viscosity)

   

• Search by catalogue of „Conventional (standardized) properties" (e.g. hardness, surface roughness, flash point)

   

• Search by catalogue „Fields of application" (8 main fields, up to 10 sub-fields each)

   

• Search by catalogue „Form of material" (e.g. gas, solid, powder)

   

• Search by content of molecules and elements
  This is the most important search route intended for searching for selected elements and molecules (CAS numbers); it allows combination with other search tools (e.g. description and fields of application).

   

• Search by catalogue "Matrix" (e.g. food, metals, soils, water)
  This search is currently not released for users. Please see COMAR website for current information.

   

Searching in COMAR requires some consideration, but, on the other hand, COMAR allows the user to set up carefully targeted queries and therefore provides tailored output. Searching in COMAR is supported by key word catalogues for all searchable items. Basic rules include:

• use COMAR navigation tools and not the "back" and "forward" of your browser,

   

• to open an input field or to confirm any selection from catalogues, please click the "+"-button at the end of the line,

   

• confirm an activated "clickbox" with the button "Apply filter".

   

A comprehensive user guide is available:

http://www.comar.bam.de/en/comar_information/comar_user_guide.pdf