Development problems of materials in mechanical engineering

This paper reviews the directions and conditions of development of the stru ctural materials used in modern mechanical engineering. It points out theor etical and technological bases and methods of production of a new generatio n advanced materials of so far unattainable properties. Special attention i s paid to the ways and possibilities of optimization of the chemical compos ition, technology, structure and properties of materials now in use. Exampl es of research and the development of structural materials in Polish scienc e center are given. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.