Depending on the function and characteristics, we can find different types of bioceramics. Bioceramics may be

• Bioinert: as alumina and Zirconia
• Resorbable: tricalcium phosphate
• Bioactive: hydroxyapatite, bioactive glasses and glass ceramics
• Porous for tissue ingrowth: hydroxyapatite-coated metals, alumina.

SCT ceramics is specialised in bioinert bioceramics, and may manufacture special parts in porous bioceramics.

Bioceramics characteristics and applications

The main bioinert bioceramics, alumina and Zirconia, are known for their high hardness, low friction coefficient and excellent corrosion resistance, which offers a very low wear rate at articulating surfaces in orthopaedic applications.

Porous alumina bioceramics has also been used as a bone spacer (bone ingrowth).

Sapphire and ruby, single crystal bioceramics, are used for some medical implants, such as isolators on feedtrhus, and other high-purity applications.