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		Materials: The Milestones of Progress (cont'd) Bessemer patent for steel making - emergence of modern day steel making. Developed a method which made the production of steel in large quantities cheaper. Sir Henry Bessemer (1813-1898) Photo source The Hall Process, the electrochemical extraction of aluminum, made aluminum available as a commercial material.   Photo source Commercial development of nylon, key stage in evolution of plastics. Nylon created Photo source Zone Refining, a purification process critical to the emergence of silicon technology. Polymerization catalysts discovered for polymers opened way for new range of plastics and dramatic growth in engineering utilization. High temperature alloy development, nickel based alloy developments impact jet engine development. Ability to grow smaller and smaller silicon wafers. Silicon wafers get smaller Photo source Mini-mills - emergence of new industry based upon materials processing of recycled scrap iron. High temperature ceramic superconductors, rapid evolution coupled with ability to make the ceramic material. High Temperature Ceramic Superconductor Photo source Site related questions or comments? Contact crc@tms.org last modified: