From outer space to inside the body: Ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites for biomedical applications

Ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) are a new class of carbon fiber-reinforced non-brittle ceramics possessing a unique combination of properties (e.g. high fracture toughness, damage tolerance and corrosion resistance), originally developed for use in extreme hot and harsh environments, such as those found in aerospace and industrial applications. Interconnections between very remote fields more and more frequently come across to discover new solutions. In this study, we investigated the compression strength and cytotoxicity of UHTCMCs designed as biomaterials for future applications inside the body. Indeed, despite the advancements in the designing, manufacturing and surface modification, current prostheses are made of metals or alloys with well-known disadvantages. Near-fully dense Cf/ZrB2-SiC composites were manufactured through slurry impregnation followed by spark plasma sintering. A preliminary biological in vitro study demonstrated materials’ lack of cytotoxicity, making them promising candidates for further investigation for biomedical purposes.