The word "Biomaterial" refers to a broad set of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites) with very different properties. All biomaterials are biocompatible, and are used in various medical applications. This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of materials science, with particular relevance to this specific type of materials.

Objectives

The main goal of the course is to give an insight to materials structure-properties relationship, with enphasis on materials for biomedical applications.

Theorectical topics:

1. Materials classificatiion. Biomaterials and biocompatibility.
2. Metalic and Ceramic materials: Crystal structure and crystal geometry; X-ray diffraction; Crystalline imperfections.
3. Diffusion.
4. Phase diagrams.
5. Polymeric Materials.
6. Mechanical properties of materials.
7. Composite materials.
8. Selection of materials for biomedical applications - Case studies
9. Regulatory considerations in biomaterials.

Lab classes

1. Synthesis of PMMA and Nylon 6-10
2. Tensile tests of a metal and a polymer: Analysis of the stress-strain curve.
3. Rubber elasticity (Gough-Joule effect, uniaxial and biaxial tensile tests).