title: Structural degradation of ceramics.
abstract: Fabrication procedures for alumina are summarized and the potential for improving the mechanical strength indicated. Engineering performance of alumina is discussed, particularly in relation to femoral heads, giving emphasis to statistical variations in strength and time dependent strength degradation processes.
mesh_terms: D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002516:Ceramics; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D006244:Hardness; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D000537:Aluminum Oxide