Several methods for improving the strength of metallic materials are available and correlations between strength and various microstructural features have been established. The purpose of this paper is to review parallel developments favouring improved fracture resistance. Resistance to fracture in monotonie loading, cyclic loading and when fracture is environment-aided have been considered in steels, aluminium alloys and anisotropic materials. Finally, the question of optimising alloy behaviour is discussed.

Aluminium-lithium alloys hold promise of providing a breakthrough response to the crying need for lightweight alloys for use as structurals in aerospace applications. Considerable worldwide research has gone into developing a range of these alloys over the last three decades. As a result, substantial understanding has been developed of the microstructure-based micromechanisms of strengthening, of fatigue and fracture as well as of anisotropy in mechanical properties. However, these alloys have not yet greatly displaced the conventionally used denser Al alloys on account of their poorer ductility, fracture toughness and low cycle fatigue resistance. This review aims to summarise the work pertaining to study of structure and mechanical properties with a view to indicate the directions that have been and can be pursued to overcome property limitations.