SBIR Phase I: Nanoceramic Coated Artificial Knees for Improved Wear Resistance

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to investigate a new coating for artificial knee replacements, using nano-ceramic materials. The proposed nanoceramic artificial joints, with the wear surfaces containing ceramic coating against ceramic coating, are expected to be superior in wear resistance to a CoCrMo alloy against ultra high molecular weight polyethylene ("UHMWPE") pair. Also, the metallic substrate will provide considerably higher strength and toughness compared to UHMWPE - ceramic combination, thereby avoiding brittle fractures. This project will select a suitable nanocoating composition using a plasma spraying technique for follow on in-vitro evaluation and physical property characterization. The commercial application of this project is in the area of prosthetic devices. This project will allow for the development of artificial prostheses for the knee, hip, elbow, shoulder and other joints, as well as for treatment of osteoporosis and sports related joint damage.