What advantage do ceramics provide as biomaterials?

Ceramics are known for their exceptional mechanical properties, particularly their high compressive strength, which makes them ideal for use in various biomedical applications. When dense, ceramics can withstand significant loads without deforming, making them suitable for structural applications in biomedical implants such as joint replacements or bone grafts. This high compressive strength is critical in load-bearing situations within the body, as it ensures longevity and reliability of the implants.

In the context of biomaterials, ceramics generally have a strong ability to resist wear and maintain their structural integrity over time, which is crucial for any material that will be subjected to the mechanical stresses found in biological environments. Their inertness and biocompatibility further enhance their suitability as biomaterials for medical applications.

While ceramics may not be easy to fabricate like some other materials, and they tend not to possess high mechanical strength under tension, their high compressive strength when dense stands out as a significant advantage in the field of biomedical engineering. Tailored physical properties do provide versatility, but the inherent strength characteristics of ceramics are what make them particularly valuable in load-bearing applications.