New Generation Nanocrystalline Silicon Carbide for Implants and Prostheses

Abstract

Nanocrystalline silicon carbide (SiC) is an aspirant material for artificial heart valves primarily due to its low weight, high strength, acute hardness, wear resistance, inertness (SiC does not react with biological fluids), and deterioration resistance. Oxide ceramic materials such as alumina (Al₂O₃) and zirconia (ZrO₂) are often used for medical applications like implants and prostheses because of their terrific biocompatibility and high wear resistance. Unfortunately, oxide ceramics cannot be used for nominal persistent thin-walled implants like resurfacing hip prostheses because of their inadequate strength. Nanocrystalline ZrO₂ (zirconium oxide) ceramic is hard, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant (biological fluids are corrosive), and biocompatible. Nanoceramics can also be made porous into aerogels (aerogels can withstand up to 100 times their weight) which results in far less frequent implant replacements, and hence, a significant reduction in surgical expenses.

Keywords: nanocrystalline, zirconia, silicon carbide, nanoceramics, implants

Cite this Article

Faldu N, Pinank K, Rathod KN, et al. New Generation Nanocrystalline Silicon Carbide for Implants and Prostheses. Journal of Nanoscience, Nanoengineering and Applications. 2015; 5(3): 11-18p.