BIOLOX - Nanocomposite for Arthoplasty
The Fourth Generation of Ceramics
The Fourth Generation of Ceramics
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Hardness and Toughness Combined<br />
An Optimal Composite<br />
The extremely stable ceramic bond virtually<br />
rules out any possibility of plastic de<strong>for</strong>mation.<br />
While this permits the desired degree<br />
of extreme hardness, it also leads to a<br />
relatively high degree of brittleness. However,<br />
given the right material design, one<br />
can achieve both extreme hardness and<br />
strength. Such composite models exist in<br />
nature and in modern technology.<br />
Proven Models<br />
Sea snails protect themselves with shells<br />
made of a finely tuned mixture of hard and<br />
brittle aragonite and thin and very elastic<br />
intermediate layers of proteins and chitin.<br />
More than 2000 years ago, blacksmiths<br />
discovered how to combine very hard<br />
high-carbon and ductile low-carbon alloys<br />
to <strong>for</strong>m a superior composite, the legendary<br />
Damascene steel.<br />
7<br />
Damascene steel combines<br />
hard and ductile alloys<br />
to <strong>for</strong>m a highly firm and<br />
resistant material.<br />
Source: stienenDamast, Mönchengladbach, Germany<br />
The protective pearl shell<br />
combines hardness and<br />
strength. It consists of hardbrittle<br />
aragonite and very<br />
elastic layers of protein and<br />
chitin.<br />
Source: J.D. Verhoeven, A.H. Pendray, W.E. Dauksch, Journal of Metals,<br />
vol. 50, No. 9, p. 60 (1998)
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