Development of alumina forming ods ferritic superalloys as new biomaterials for surgical implant (ALUSI)

Objective

The aim of this project is to develop aluminum forming alloys (Fe-Cr-Al-Y203) with improved wear resistance as new biomaterials for surgical implants (hip/knee). The proposal is based on their unique capability to develop a fine but hard, dense, and very well adherent alpha-alumina layer by thermal oxidation. The starting material is a commercial alloy designed for high temperature applications. Thus this project gives priority to optimize its processing, in order to get the correct texture (low Young's Modulus and small grain size), the composition, and the thermal oxidation conditions. Mechanical characterization of developed alloys includes tensile, compressive, fatigue, and wear tests simulating joint wearing conditions. Bio-compatibility is assessed by corrosion experiments in simulated human fluids and cell culture on solid specimens. The influence of wear debris and ions release on the cell culture will also be investigated.

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-5. - RTD Activities of a Generic Nature : materials and their technologies for production and transformation and new and improved materials and production technologies in the steel field

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS

Address

8,Avenida De Gregorio Del Amo 8
28040 Madrid
Spain

Participants (6)

ASSOCIACION INSTITUTO DE BIOMECANICA DE VALENCIA

Spain

Address

Avda. Juan De La Cierva 24
46980 Campamento/paterna

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Italy

Address

Via Enrico Fermi 1
21020 Ispra

ISTITUTO ORTOPEDICO RIZZOLI

Italy

Address

Via Di Barbiano 1-10
40136 Bologna

METALLWERK PLANSEE GMBH

Germany

Address

23,Siebenbürgerstraße 23
86983 Lechbruck

SURGIVAL CO S.A.

Spain

Address

Avda. Leonardo Da Vinci 12-14
46980 Campamento/paterna

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF CLAUSTHAL

Germany

Address

42,Robert Koch Straße 42
38678 Clausthal-zellerfeld