Degradation of Ceramic Materials in Physiological Media

Abstract

The literature apropos of the degradation of ceramics and ceramic-coated metal systems in physiological media is reviewed. Both in vitro and in vivo studies are involved. Generally, ceramics suffer losses of mechanical strength with time in physiological media, and ceramic-metal bonds lose adherence. Carbons seem to be exceptions to this rule. The theory with regard to the mechanisms associated with the said degradation is still in a primitive stage of development. The development of more meaningful experiments than those now in vogue is needed. Effects of material character and the nature of the environment-material interface upon the strength degradation must be investigated.