Polymer-ceramic composite for tooth-root implant.

A new polymer-ceramic composite suitable for tooth-root implants has been developed in this study. This material exhibited the desirable combination of good mechanical properties, controlled porosity, and ease of processing. A thermal processing technique was utilized to polymerize acrylic acid (AA) in the presence of either 0.3 or 0.05 mu alumina particles. Porosity and pore size distribution were influenced by the alumina particle size and the processing technique. For a 50 vol % AA solution, the composite had an average compressive strength of 18,000 psi and 38% porosity when 0.3 mu filler particles were used. In comparison, the 0.05 mu alumina-filled composite had an average compressive strength of 28,000 psi with a 15% porosity. Data on the physical and structural characteristics of the composite are presented in this study. Based on these results, the composite material shows good potential for use in tooth-root implants as well as other orthopedic implant applications.