Dense/porous bioceramic composites

Abstract

This thesis reports the preparation and characterization of porous yttria-stabilized-tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) and porous TZP/alumina composites featuring a uniformly porous structure, a graded porous structure and/or a porous/densenon-uniform structure. These new types of porous materials were prepared for bone replacement and reconstruction. The pores were designed for bone ingrowth, whereas the graded pores and the dense cores were introduced for load bearing capability. For bone ingrowth, the porous structures must have a high porosity, a high interconnectivity, and a suitable pore size.