CoorsTek Bioceramics touts composite ceramic material

CoorsTek Bioceramics officials think testing and clinical feedback since 2011 has shown their CeraSurf-p alumina matrix composite ceramic material to be a state-of-the-art ceramic bearing material for total hip arthroplasty.

CoorsTek’s CeraSurf-p is an implant grade alumina matrix composite ceramic material that falls under the ISO 6474-2 Type X (extra high strength) material standard. The proprietary material is a fully dense 75% alumina and 25% zirconia composite ceramic.

CeraSurf-p also has a small amount of chromium oxide incorporated in the chemical composition to improve fracture toughness and hardness. There is also crack deflection occurring at the β-alumina platelets in the material, and the homogeneous distribution of zirconia particles within the alumina matrix promote crack compression.

CoorsTek explains in a white paper: “The microstructure of CeraSurf-p is engineered to incorporate advanced toughening mechanisms to improve the mechanical integrity of the material. The chemical composition and physical makeup of the material is also designed to be biocompatible, stable and to provide excellent wear performance.”