BioLot

Functionalization of inert high performance ceramics by bioactive brazes

A specific functionalization of high-performance ceramic through coating with bioactive titanium-based composites is being developed to improve tissue integration. To obtain this aim, the composite coatings will be applied using brazing techniques on ceramic substrates. The layer thicknesses of the titan-based filler metals can be adapted i) for ingrowth of bone tissue and ii) to adjust to the different Young's moduli of bone and ceramics. Based on the Ti-Co alloy system new biocompatible brazing alloys staggered with calcium-phosphate-based bioactive granulates will be developed. The interaction of bioactive particles with alloys in the brazing process and their effects on the structure, as well as mechanical and biological properties are focused in this research.

The research project, which is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), is performed in close cooperation with the Institute of Surface Technology, RWTH Aachen University.

Fig. 1. Schematic view of a total hip arthroplasty (left), and detail of the coating with bioactive particles for better osseointegration (right): three optional microstructures are visualized.