Preparation and Microstructural Characterization of Al2O3/ZrO2 Nanocomposites to Use in the Femoral Head of Hip Replacement

High-purity aluminum oxide is potentially an attractive implant material for total hip joint replacement, because its biocompatibility, excellent wear resistance, high strength and corrosion resistance. The main problem of alumina is relatively low fracture toughness. Thus, this study is the introduction of ZrO₂ as second ceramic phase homogeneously dispersed wihtin an alumina matix. Al₂O₃/ZrO₂ nanocomposites disk is prepared by spark plasma sintering(SPS) method at 1500degC and 50 MPa, in vacuum for 5 min. Then, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the microstucture and phases of this nanocomposite. Moreover, frexual sthrength of the nanocomposites was meausured as well as hardness and fracture toughness. When the content of ZrO₂ is up to 15 wt%, the fracture toughness value (8.4 MPam^1/2), and strength (527 MPa) are achieved. This Al₂O₃/ZrO₂ nanocomposites may be served as a fatal hip joint replacement.