Forming and sintering of multiphase bioceramics

Abstract

Composite bioceramic materials could find use in a wide range of biomedical applications; however, their processing technologies are quite complex or not sufficiently developed. In order to eliminate deleterious influences of powder inhomogeneities and to reduce the machining time of final components, a novel procedure for multiphase powders using wet pretreatment and direct forming of green bodies having the desired geometries was studied. During the experimental work alumina, yttria-stabilized zirconia, and their mixtures were used. The forming of discs and femoral heads was done by pressure casting of aqueous suspensions of powders. The measurements of physical, mechanical and tribological properties of sintered samples were performed; the results obtained showed the effectiveness of the process since the property values approached those of similar materials actually on the market, while requiring less machining labour. © 1994 Chapman & Hall.