Long-Term Strength of Ceramics for Biomedical Applications

Published

May 1, 2004

Author(s)

Yu Zhang, Brian R. Lawn

Abstract

The influence of slow crack growth on the initiation of radial cracks at the undersurfaces of ceramic layers on polymeric substrates is studied, with particular relevance to biomechanical systems dental crowns and hip replacement prostheses. Critical loads are measured as a function of loading rate (dynamic fatigue) for model bilayers fabricated by epoxy-bonding selected clinical ceramics to polycarbonate bases. Radial crack initiation is observed in situ by viewing from below the transparent base during loading. Declines in the critical loads with diminishing load rate are consistent with slow crack growth of intrinsic flaws prior to radial crack pop in. A simple fracture mechanics relation incorporating a crack velocity function is used to analyze the data. Extrapolation beyond the data range enables long-lifetime (10 yr) estimates of sustainable loads. The procedure provides a basis for ranking ceramic types, and in particular for eliminating vulnerable candidate materials, for use in biomechanical systems. While slow crack growth is an important factor in failure, other mechanisms could operate in concert and even dominate under severe testing conditions, especially in cyclic loading.

Citation

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B-Applied Biomaterials

Volume

69B

Issue

No. 2

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

bilayers, brittle coatings, crack velocity, critical loads, dental crowns, lifetime

Citation

Zhang, Y. and Lawn, B. (2004), Long-Term Strength of Ceramics for Biomedical Applications, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B-Applied Biomaterials (Accessed April 26, 2026)

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