Abstract
Although silicon nitride ceramics have been shown very propitious to be used for bone replacements, some characteristics can be controlled to improve their osseointegrations process. One of them is the intergranular phase whose composition can be specified to stimulate mineralization and osteoblastic production. In this paper, the intergranular glassy phase was projected in order to contain silicon, strontium and aluminum oxides. Silicon nitride samples containing different contents of SiO2, SrO and Al2O3 were sintered at 1815oC for 1 hour and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Hardness and fracture toughness were determined by Vickers hardness test and compressive strength was evaluated using an universal material testing machine. The biological behavior was studied in regard to cytotoxicity and cell proliferation by means of in vitro experiments. The samples reached high densities (higher than 95 %TD), total →-Si3N4 transformation, fracture toughness higher than 6.5 MPa.m1/2, compressive strength up to 2500 MPa and Vickers hardness less than 9.8 GPa. All samples were non-cytotoxic and able to promote cell proliferation with great potential to be used as components for bone replacements. However, that sample with high content of strontium had the best results of cell proliferation, proving the importance of a careful choice of intergranular phase composition in silicon nitride ceramics. Keywords: silicon nitride, mechanical properties, osteoblasts.
Highlights
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a ceramic material widely used in structural applications whose properties depend on porosity, grains morphology and secondary phases present in the microstructure [1,2,3]
That sample with high content of strontium had the best results of cell proliferation, proving the importance of a careful choice of intergranular phase composition in silicon nitride ceramics
This paper evaluates the effect of additions SiO2, SrO and Al2O3 in the densification, microstructure, mechanical properties and in vitro cytocompatibility of silicon nitride ceramics to be used in maxillofacial surgery, mini-osteofixation systems, intervertebral fusion spacers and dental roots [22]
Summary
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a ceramic material widely used in structural applications whose properties depend on porosity, grains morphology and secondary phases present in the microstructure [1,2,3]. Other study using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) compared silicon nitride particles with cobalt-chromium and Ti-6Al-4V alloys and showed that silicon nitride promoted a minimal impact in PBMNCs [7]. The bacteriostatic properties of silicon nitride have been evaluated. Coli) attachment and proliferation on PEEK, Ti-alloy and Si3N4 demonstrated that Si3N4 can inhibits the biofilm formation. BOSCHETTO et al [9] observed the same positive effect concluding that surface chemistry of silicon nitride can hinder biofilm formation and bacterial proliferation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
