title: Perspectives of the Si3N4-TiN ceramic composite as a biomaterial and manufacturing of complex-shaped implantable devices by electrical discharge machining (EDM).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this work we investigated the suitability of electroconductive silicon nitride/titanium nitride composite for biomedical implantable devices with particular attention on the processing route that allows the net-shaping of complex components by electrical discharge machining (EDM).
  
  
  METHODS
  The composite, constituted mainly of a beta-Si3N4, dispersed TiN grains and a glassy grain boundary phase, exhibited a low density and high hardness, strength and toughness. Bulk, surface characteristics and properties of the Si3N4-TiN composite were analyzed. After the EDM process, the microstructure of the machined surface was examined.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The obtained results showed that the Si3N4-TiN ceramic composite together with the EDM manufacturing process might potentially play a key role in implantable load-bearing prosthesis applications.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bucciotti
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazzocchi
authors.forename: Alida
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bellosi
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002516:Ceramics / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D010316:Particle Size; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012117:Resins, Synthetic / Q000737:chemistry*; D017655:Silicon Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013933:Thumb / Q000601:surgery; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D012117:Resins, Synthetic; D017655:Silicon Compounds; C041500:titanium nitride; D014025:Titanium; C032734:silicon nitride