On the possibility of silicon nitride as a ceramic for structural orthopaedic implants. Part II: chemical stability and wear resistance in body environment

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2008 Aug;19(8):2889-901. doi: 10.1007/s10856-008-3437-y. Epub 2008 Apr 15.

Abstract

In Part I, the processing, microstructure and mechanical properties of three silicon nitride-based ceramics were examined and their non-toxicity was demonstrated. In this Part II, some features critical to biomedical applications were investigated: (i) the wetting behaviour against aqueous media, including physiological solutions; (ii) the chemical stability in water and in physiological solutions; and (iii) the wear resistance, measured under experimental procedures that simulate the conditions typical of the hip joint prosthesis. The results confirmed that silicon nitride may serve as a biomaterial for bone substitution in load bearing prosthesis.

MeSH terms

  • Ceramics*
  • Materials Testing
  • Orthopedics*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Silicon Compounds / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Silicon Compounds
  • silicon nitride