Polymer ceramic composite that follows the rules of bone growth

Carolyn M. Dry; Carrie Warner

doi:10.1117/12.316874

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20 July 1998 Polymer ceramic composite that follows the rules of bone growth

Carolyn M. Dry, Carrie Warner

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Proceedings Volume 3324, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Smart Materials Technologies; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.316874
Event: 5th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Research at the University of Illinois School of Architecture Material's Lab is being done on a biomimetic building material with the unique properties of bone. This polymer/ceramic composite will mimic bone by controlling the (1) the structure and form of the material, (2) chemical makeup and sequencing of fabrication, (3) ability to adapt to environmental changes during fabrication, and (4) ability to later adapt and repair itself. Bones and shells obtain their great toughness and strength as a result of careful control of these four factors. The organic fibers are made first and the matrix grown around them as opposed to conventional ceramics in which any fibers are added to the matrix. Constituents are also placed in the material which allow it to later adapt to outside changes. The rules under which bone material naturally forms and adapts, albeit at a macroscale, are followed. Our efforts have concentrated on the chemical makeup, and basic sequencing of fabrication. Our research sought to match the intimate connection between material phases of bone by developing the chemical makeup.

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Carolyn M. Dry and Carrie Warner "Polymer ceramic composite that follows the rules of bone growth", Proc. SPIE 3324, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Smart Materials Technologies, (20 July 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.316874

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