Zirconium Oxide Surface Layers on Orthopaedic Devices to Increase Lifetime

这个研究项目的目的 就是制造一个寿命很长的 陶瓷ZrO2层， 骨科股骨粘连 尤其是膝盖。 植入式骨科股骨 膝关节部件通常 由于拉伸， 力量在场。 陶瓷材料， 例如Al2O3或ZrO2，通常 表现出许多所需的性质， 包括较低的离子释放， 切割磨损，良好 生物相容性 这些后者 然而，材料在 张力 涂层是不可取的 因为粘附力不能 保证 高能离子 植入是一种公认的方法 可以提供所需的 附着力，因为原子 注入地表以下， 而不是沉积在上面。 厚膜生长技术 ZrO2表面层 离子矫形器 将开发植入。 该层将与 基质通过混合 跨越分区的过渡区域 厚度可达0.1微米。 高达3微米的ZrO2层 厚是可能的。 这种技术 应该提供较长寿命 关节面， 植入物具有所需的体积 钛的性能， 陶瓷关节面。

The goal of this research project is to fabricate a long lifetime ceramic Zr02 layer with special adhesion on orthopaedic femoral devices, particularly knees. Implantable orthopaedic femoral knee components usually are metallic because of the tensile forces present. Ceramic materials, such as A1203 or Zr02, generally exhibit many desirable properties, including lower ion release,less cut wear, and good biocompatibility. These latter materials, however, are poor in tension. Coatings are undesirable because adhesion cannot be guaranteed. High energy ion implantation is an accepted method that can provide the needed adhesion because the atoms are injected well below the surface, rather than deposited onto it. A technique for growing a thick surface layer of Zr02 on orthopaedic devices using ion implantation will be developed. The layer will interface the substrate through a blended transition region that spans a zone up to 0.1 micrometers in thickness. Zr02 layers up to 3 micrometers thick are possible. This technique should provide a long lifetime articulating surface to allow the implants to have the desirable bulk properties of titanium with a ceramic articulating surface.