SEM fractorgraphy studies of porous vitreous carbon: A candidate biomaterial
✍ Scribed by Tarr, Richard R.
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1979
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 1009 KB
- Volume
- 13
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0021-9304
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
A new porous vitreous carbon material under development for use in orthopedic applications was investigated. Specimens were machined to appropriate sizes and fractured in one of the following modes: compression, cantilevered bending, or axial torsion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine surface and internal features. Characteristics of a brittle, glassy material were noted. Findings included internal voids which appeared as craters, patches of whiskerlike fibrils, and edge impurities. Numerous microcracks caused by mechanical shaping and handling were the most remarkable structural defects. Pore channels which would allow bony in growth ranged in size from 50–500 μm with the majority between 200 and 300 μm. This study of porous vitreous carbon points to the need for stricter quality control in manufacturing, alternative methods for shaping and handling, and careful consideration in design and usage of a brittle material with marginal limits of safety for biomedical applications.