Abstract
The author examined composite ceramics precipitated a whisker to obtain biomaterial with excellent mechanical properties by adding a diopside consisting of crystallized glass to hydroxyapatite(HAP)which is known as a highly biocompatible material.The author compared this composite ceramics with HAP and diopside with regard to mechanical properties and tissue irritation.In conclusion, the diopside and the composite ceramics were significantly stronger than HAP.In particularly, the composite ceramics(60vol% diopside)was approximately three times stronger than HAP, but the mechanical strength of all materials examined had a tendency to decrease gradually over long-term storage in saline.Concerning tissue irritation, the diopside and the composite ceramics showed the same biocompatibility as HAP.Therefore, 60vol% diopside and diopside alone may be useful as bone filling materials and for dental implants.
