Perspectives of the Si 3 N 4 -TiN Ceramic Composite as a Biomaterial and Manufacturing of Complex-Shaped Implantable Devices by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
Free accessResearch articleFirst published online January, 2010
Perspectives of the Si 3 N 4 -TiN Ceramic Composite as a Biomaterial and Manufacturing of Complex-Shaped Implantable Devices by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
In this work we investigated the suitability of electroconductive silicon nitride/titanium nitride composite for biomedical implantable devices with particular attention on the processing route that allows the net-shaping of complex components by electrical discharge machining (EDM).
Methods
The composite, constituted mainly of a β-Si3N4, dispersed TiN grains and a glassy grain boundary phase, exhibited a low density and high hardness, strength and toughness. Bulk, surface characteristics and properties of the Si3N4-TiN composite were analyzed. After the EDM process, the microstructure of the machined surface was examined.
Results and Conclusions
The obtained results showed that the Si3N4-TiN ceramic composite together with the EDM manufacturing process might potentially play a key role in implantable load-bearing prosthesis applications.
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