BME 304 Lect 6

Ceramincs

Ceramics

Inorganic, nonmetallic materials that are generally hard, stiff, and brittle

Alumina

Aluminum oxide ceramic; hard, wear-resistant, and chemically stable

Zirconia

Ceramic known for high strength and fracture toughness compared with many other ceramics

Hydroxyapatite (HA)

Calcium phosphate ceramic chemically similar to the mineral component of bone

General ceramic properties

Hard, stiff, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, but generally brittle

Tensile vs. compressive properties

Ceramics are generally much stronger in compression than tension.

Ceramics vs. metals

Ceramics are generally harder and more brittle; metals are generally more ductile and tougher

How ceramics are classified

Commonly classified as traditional ceramics, advanced ceramics, and bioceramics depending on composition/use

Bone structure

Bone is a composite of an organic component (mainly collagen) and an inorganic mineral component (mainly hydroxyapatite)

Metal-on-metal prosthetics

Strong and durable but can produce metal wear particles/ions

Ceramic-on-ceramic prosthetics

Low wear and good biocompatibility, but ceramics can fracture because they are brittle