UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
B.ENG. (HONS) COURSE
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STREAM
YEAR 1V SEMESTER 1
JANUARY, 2011 SESSIONS OF EXAMINATIONS
MME 4100 Introduction to Biomaterials

January 2011

Time: 09.15am 11.15am

This paper contains FOUR questions. You are to attempt only THREE questions.

1. Bioceramics are classified in the following ways:

(i)

Dense, nonporous and nearly inert ceramics

(ii)

Porous inert ceramics

(iii)

Dense, nonporous surface reactive ceramics

(iv)

Dense, non porous (or porous) resorbable ceramics

For each of the bioceramic classifications (i, ii, iii and iv) mentioned above:
(i)

Identify the type of tissue attachment and describe it.

(12 Marks)

(ii)

Give an example of a typical material

(4 Marks)

(iii)

Discuss their advantages and disadvantages

(13 Marks)

(iv)

Mention an application for this material in the biomedical industry

(4 Marks)

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2.

The Birmingham Hip Replacement (BHR) also known as hip resurfacing is shown
in Figure 1 below. This type of hip replacement is based on a metal-on-metal type
of articulation

Figure 1 The Birmingham Hip Replacement (courtesy of Smith and Nephew)

(i)

With the aid of a diagram identify all the biomaterials used in this
implant
(4 Marks)

(ii)

Based on their properties explain why these biomaterials might have

been selected
(12 Marks)

(iii)

Give reasons, to why metal-on-metal implants have gained on

popularity.
(4 Marks)

(iv)

The femoral part of this implant can be manufactured either by

investment casting or hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Explain why one
method is preferred over the other one.
(4 Marks)

(v)

The acetabular part of this implant contains beading and a coating.

(a) What is the reason behind this?
(5 Marks)
(b) In what way can the beading adversely affect the implant?
(4 Marks)
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3. The bone plate shown in Figure 2 is made of a medical grade austenitic stainless
steel 316LVM (ASTM F138). According to the prolific Indian researcher
Kamachi Mudali1, the majority of failures caused in these implants are due to
corrosion and fretting-wear.

Figure 2 A 316LVM bone plate and screws

With reference to the implant shown in Figure 2:

i. With the aid of a diagram explain the mechanism of:
a.

crevice corrosion

b. fretting corrosion-wear
(12 Marks)
ii. Describe in some detail, a test that can measure a materials susceptibility to
crevice corrosion
(7 Marks)
iii. List two toxic elements that can leach out of this biomaterial due to corrosion.
(2 Marks)
iv. Describe an alloy that has been designed specifically to alleviate the leaching
problem mention in (iii)
(5 Marks)
v. Suggest a treatment that can be used to reduce the issue of corrosion and wear in
the implant shown above. Explain this treatment in detail.
(7 Marks)
Page 3 of 4
1

Kamachi Mudali, U., et al., Failures of stainless steel orthopaedic devices causes and remedies.
Corros. Reviews, 2003. 21(2-3): p. 231-267.

4. Orthodontic arch wires were the first biomedical application for NiTi shape
memory alloys. These have quickly gained popularity and have quickly replaced
stainless steel wires.
Write an essay on shape memory alloys used in orthodontics. Your account should
include:
i. The Superelastic effect
(10 Marks)
ii. New technologies
(5 Marks)
iii. Corrosion and wear issues
(10 Marks)
iv. Surface Engineering
(8 Marks)

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