As a major outcome of European COST Action 531 on lead-free solders, a two volume set on phase diagrams and physical and mechanical properties of alloys has been published. Volume 1 is an Atlas of phase diagrams calculated using the 'Solders' thermodynamic database that was constructed as part of the action, which contains assessed thermodynamic descriptions of 53 binary systems and 20 ternary systems associated with lead-free alloys and electronic component substrate materials. Volume 2 (produced in conjunction with ELFNET) is a handbook of physical properties of a variety of SAC solders and joints that has been compiled as part of the Action. For further information, including how to obtain your copy, contact Alan Dinsdale at the NPL.

Materials Science and Technology is seen as the main Institute learned journal for the publication of papers concerned with Materials Chemistry. Other important journals include:

• The Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion
• CALPHAD
• Metallurgical and Materials Transactions
• Zeitschrift für Metallkunde
• The Journal of Alloys and Compounds
• Intermetallics
• The Journal of Electronic Materials
• The Journal of the American Ceramic Society
• The Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics
• Thermochimica Acta