title: Quantitative stereological investigations of porous alumina implant biomaterials.
abstract: We made several conclusions from this study on a candidate porous alumina bioceramic. First, the volume fraction of porosity varied from 64 to 79%, whereas Archimedes density shows 62% porosity. Second, the mean lineal intercept and tangent diameter varied from 0.048 to 0.058 cm and 0.034 to 0.040 cm, respectively, and did not provide a good concept of the minimum pore size neck dimensions for the specimen. Third, the pore-size dimension varied from 0.0185 to 0.1157 cm which indicated a minimum pore neck size large enough for tissue ingrowth and ossification if located in bone. Fourth, the pore structure was totally interconnected with considerable side branching and multi-interconnections. Fifth, the serial sectioning of the porous alumina ceramic biomaterial provides considerable insight into the critical features of the material as a candidate for a surgical implant material and a better understanding of the relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional structural components.
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003722:Dental Alloys; D013499:Surface Properties; D013526:Surgical Mesh
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003722:Dental Alloys; D000535:Aluminum