A Microstructural Overview of Oxide Ceramics for Medical Implants

The dominant oxide ceramic materials used today in medical implant devices are alumina, zirconia and alumina matrix composites. Each material has uniquely different properties and microstructures that can be optimized through process controls for certain applications. Reasons for material choice and examples of each materials use for specific applications in medical implants will be presented with a focus on their microstrucure and associated processing technologies.