Ceramic Processing and Biomaterials

The manufacture of ceramic parts involves knowledge of the synthesis and preparation of raw materials and of processing technologies. In order to achieve the desired geometry and the final properties, we apply thermal processes. Depending on the particular application, porous and dense ceramics can be processed.

In the last decade, a new class of processing technologies has been developed in order to reduce the time to market of metal, polymers and also ceramic parts. These so-called additive manufacturing technologies enable the fabrication of 3-dimensional dense and porous ceramic parts without any need of matrix or moulds. By employing additive manufacturing, individual and complex shaped scaffolds for the application in bone repair can be generated. Concerning their reliability and biocompatibility under physiological conditions, manifold and great deals are demanded of resorbable and long-term stable bone substitution materials.

Besides the mechanical properties even in non load-bearing bone defects, the characterisation of the solubility and stability of the implants are of interest. We examine specific values also under conditions in vivo, in external cooperations and networked developmental and checking expertises.

Methods and technical equipment

• Synthesis and characterisation of biomaterials and implants: Open pore, spongiosa-like bioceramics containing up to 80 % porosity, devices for sinter processing, spray drying, freeze drying, melt and sintering units, determination of the specific surface by means of BET, chemical analysis by means of ICP, pycnometer
• Investigating bioceramic reaction layers by using salt bath processing as well as sol gel synthesis and accompanying quality control: salt bath unit with protective gas, reactor for hydrothermal treatment
• Additive manufacturing with ceramic materials and process development for the additive manufacturing with ceramic materials: 3D printing, selective laser sintering, graded and porous structures.

top