Silicon nitride-Bioglass® composite for biomedical applications

This study aimed at preparing novel highly toughened bioactive ceramic composite composed of Si3N4 matrix and Bioglass (R) using a hot pressing technique. Densification rate, hardness and fracture toughness of this novel composite were assessed as well as in vitro bioactivity using a simulated body fluid (SBF). A fracture toughness of 5.2 +/-0.3 MPa.m(1/2) was achieved for fully densified samples, which complies with K-1c value reported for cortical bone. This novel composite, which can be used in high load medical applications, seems to overcome the drawback of low fracture toughness presented by most currently available bioactive ceramics.