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Project

Additive manufacturing and laser micropatterning of functionally graded ceramic materials for dental implant applications

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are materials of which the composition, microstructure or porosity gradually varies over the volume. This allows tailoring (combinations of) macroscopic properties to meet specific non-homogeneous service requirements that conventional homogeneous materials cannot accomplish. Particularly in dental implant applications, emerging ceramic materials exhibiting a compositional gradient from a tough (short-term reliability) core to an aging resistant (long-term reliability) surface, can significantly contribute to the implant longevity. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, enables producing patient-specific implants with a customized geometry. Moreover, AM offers the advantage of realizing 3D FGMs with a gradient in the axial as well as radial direction, which cannot be achieved by conventional processing. Yet, surface finishing of AM parts remains an important concern limiting component performance. Laser micropatterning allows fine-tuning surface structures at the micro and nanoscale levels for a better biological response without altering the bulk mechanical properties. Within this project, we will explore the potential of direct ink writing in combination with femtosecond laser micropatterning to realize compositionally graded zirconia-alumina dental implants with a micropatterned surface combining excellent mechanical properties with an improved osseointegration.

Date:1 Jan 2020 →  31 Dec 2023
Keywords:Functionally graded materials (FGMs), dental implant applications, Additive manufacturing, laser micropatterning
Disciplines:Ceramics, Biomaterials, Surface engineering, Materials processing, Manufacturing processes, methods and technologies