Increasing the performance of total hip replacement prostheses through functionally graded material innovation and design

Objective

In our ageing society, there is a tremendous need for biomaterials. The majority of hip prosthesis components are currently made of metal/polyethylene combinations with limited long-term performance and clinical risks. New ceramic materials with increased strength are needed especially for smaller prosthesis components. this project is based on the concept of functionally graded materials (FGM) to develop alumina/zirconia graded ceramics. The potential of this bioinert system follows from the excellent properties achieved with alumina monoliths (low wear rate, high hardness) and zirconia (high strength and toughness). The FGM concept could fill the need for an increase in long-term reliability of all- ceramic hip prosthesis of all sizes, in particular for smaller hip bearings.

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

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN

Address

2,Kasteelpartk Arenberg, 44
3001 Heverlee
Belgium

Participants (8)

BODYCOTE H.I.P. LIMITED

United Kingdom

Address

Hulley Road, Hurdsfield
SK10 2SG Macclesfield

CERAMTEC AG

Germany

Address

Fabrikstrasse 23-29
73201 Plochingen

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Italy

Address

Via Enrico Fermi 1
21020 Ispra

HELSINKI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Finland

Address

2A,vuorimiehentie 2A
02015 Hut

JOZEF STEFAN INSTITUTE

Slovenia

Address

39,Jamova 39
1001 Ljubljana

LABORATOIRE D'EVALUATION DES MATÉRIELS IMPLANTABLES

France

Address

Technopole Montesquieu
33650 Martillac

LIMA LTO SPA

Italy

Address

Via Nazionale 36, Villanova
33030 Buia

NUCLEAR PHYSICS INSTITUTE - ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Czechia

Address

250 68 Rez - Praha