Preparation of functionally graded alumina ceramic materials with controlled porosity

Abstract

Functionally graded ceramic materials with controlled porosity are the object of research in the surgical applications of field of bioinert ceramic materials. The use of ceramics in medical applications (implants) depends on the possibility of adjusting their properties to those of bone tissue. The great differences in properties of ceramic materials and bone tissues lead to the study of utilization of functionally graded materials for preparation of biomaterials. Preparation of bioinert alumina ceramics with gradient of porosity by slip casting to the porous molds was studied. The sol-gel transition of AIO(OH) was used to stabilize pore-generating agent with a particle size of 150-190 μm and the preparation of a reproducible aqueous suspension of α-Al 2 O 3 for the slip-casting of bodies with defined porosity. The physical and mechanical properties of one-component and composite bodies with layers of variable controlled porosity were determined. The dependence of the determined properties on the value and type of porosity is reported.