Bioceramics have been used very successfully within the human body for many years. They are commonly used in orthopaedic surgery and dentistry but they are potentially suitable for a wide range of important applications within the medical device industry. This important book reviews the range of bioceramics, their properties and range of clinical uses.
Chapters in the first section of the book discusses issues of significance to a range of bioceramics such as their structure, mechanical properties and biological interactions. The second part reviews the fabrication, microstructure and properties of specific bioceramics and glasses, concentrating on the most promising materials. These include alumina and zirconia ceramics, bioactive glasses and bioactive glass-ceramics, calcium sulphate, tricalcium phosphate-based ceramics, hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite biphasic ceramics, si-substrated hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate cement, calcium phosphate coating, titania-based materials, ceramic-polymer composites, dental ceramics and dental glass-ceramics. The final group of chapters reviews the clinical applications of bioceramics in joint replacement, bone grafts, tissue engineering and dentistry.