Mechanical properties nanophase ceramics

To date, few research groups have incorporated the enhanced mechanical properties of nanophase ceramics into orthopedic and dental applications. 

Undoubtedly, changes in porosity (such as bulk and surface porosity and diameter of individual pores) of nanophase ceramic formulated by Webster et al. (1999) provide an explanation for the observed differences in mechanical properties of respective nanophase and conventional ceramic formulations for example, individual surface pores four times smaller were achieved in nanophase (67-nm grain size) compared to conventional (179-nm grain size) HA formulations (Webster et al., 2000a). Compared to conventional formulations, therefore, the bending modulus of nanophase ceramics... 

Nanostructured ceramics provide alternatives not yet fully explored for orthopedic and dental implant applications the improved mechanical properties of these novel ceramic formulations, in addition to their established exceptional biocompatibility, constitute characteristics that promise improved orthopedic and dental efficacy. Requirements applicable for the design of nanophase ceramics for orthopedic and dental applications include the following ... 

B. Mechanical Properties of Nanophase Ceramics for Enhanced Orthopedic/Dental Implant Efficacy... 

An innovative strategy to enhanee the mechanieal properties of biodegradable polymers is the ineorporation of nanomaterials as fillers within polymer matrices. With the appropriate modifications to facilitate dispersion into polymers and to enhance interactions with the snrronnding matrix, nanocomposites have demonstrated improved mechanical properties compared with unfilled polymers or polymers loaded with larger, micrometersized particles. A few studies have also shown enhanced cell function when bone cells are cultured on nanophase ceramic materials. 

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