ABSTRACT
The first strong alloy ('Duralumin') was developed in 1905, which made possible the structural use of aluminium in the German Zeppelins of the First World War. Between the wars its use was developed in aircraft, leading to a vast increase in aluminium production during the Second World War. This was accompanied by a dramatic decrease in cost relative to other metals. After 1945 there was great pressure to develop fresh outlets for aluminium and many new markets were found. By now it is well established in a wide range of industries. Aerospace accounts for a fairly small, but important, part of the total tonnage.
