Ceramic Hip Replacement

The new alumina matrix composite delta meets the increased demands in hip replacement. This high-performance ceramic offers the same advantages as alumina ceramic, i.e. excellent biocompatibility, low wear, high hardness, outstanding chemical and hydrothermal stability, but with higher strength than alumina ceramic.

Science Behind BIOLOX Delta Material

BIOLOX delta is an aluminum oxide matrix composite ceramic consisting of approx. 75% alumina (Al2O3), 24% zirconia (ZrO2) and other trace elements. The pink color is due to the chromium oxide (Cr2O3) that increases the hardness of the composite material.

Alumina provides the material’s hardness and wear resistance, while zirconia, together with other additives, provides improved mechanical properties. The high density of the material and the very small grain size also contribute to the improved properties.

The result is a high-performance ceramic that offers the same advantages as BIOLOX forte: excellent biocompatibility, low wear, high hardness, good mechanical performance, outstanding chemical and hydrothermal stability.

The Microstructure

The first toughening mechanism used in BIOLOX delta material results from the introduction of small, homogeneously distributed yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia particles (Y-TZP) in a stable alumina matrix. The spatial separation of these zirconia particles reduces the likelihood of structural transformation and prevents the initiation or propagation of cracks.