93842 - BIOMATERIALI METALLICI M

Learning outcomes

The student acquires basic skills on the main metallic materials used for biomedical applications with particular reference to implantable devices and prostheses in the human body. The study of processes and treatments aimed at improving specific massive and surface properties of biomedical devices, the analysis of possible damage mechanisms, as well as the methods to analyze and contrast them, will allow the student to make the correct choice of the metallic biomaterial according to the in-service conditions.

Course contents

Requirements/Prior knowledge

A prior knowledge and understanding of Metallurgy T are required to attend with profit this course.

Fluent spoken and written Italian is a necessary pre-requisite: all lectures and tutorials, and all study material will be in Italian.

Course contents

Introduction to the module of “Metallic biomaterials”. Explanation of the program, the teaching material and the evaluation method. Peculiarity of metallic biomaterials compared to other biomaterials in terms of chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Main classes of metallic biomaterials.

Fundamentals of Metallurgy: Structure- process-properties correlation. Phase diagrams. Microstructure and crystal structure. Lattice defects of point, line and surface and theory of plastic deformation. Strengthening mechanisms of metals.

Production processes of metallic biomaterials (casting, plastic deformation, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing) and their effects on microstructure and mechanical properties.

Failure of metallic biomaterials: Fatigue, Tribology (friction and wear), Corrosion (supplementary seminar whose content is not requested at the final examination).

Stainless steels and their biomedical applications. Chemical composition, designation, main physical and mechanical properties, heat treatments and surface modifications, applications.

Titanium alloys and their biomedical applications. Chemical composition, designation, main physical and mechanical properties, heat treatments and surface modifications, applications.

CoCr alloys and their biomedical applications. Chemical composition, designation, main physical and mechanical properties, heat treatments and surface modifications, applications.

Shape memory alloys and their biomedical applications. Chemical composition, main physical and mechanical properties, application examples.

Failure analysis methodologies: metallography and fractography.

A video-presentation of the teaching is available through the Links to further information, at the bottom of the page.

Readings/Bibliography

Course material: all the slides used by the teacher are available in the Virtuale repository, as password-protected pdf files. Slides in Italian.

Specific references are reported at the end of the slides for each subject of the course.

Teaching methods

Classroom and/or onlines lectures according to the timetable and to the pandemic emergency.

The teacher also proposes:

- Optional visits to the Metallurgy laboratory to illustrate the main equipment and methods for the microstructural and mechanical characterization of metals.

- Seminars on specific topics held by people (doctors and engineers) working in the field of metallic biomaterials.

Attendance is recommended for a better learning of fundamental concepts.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by means of a final oral exam. Foreign students may ask for a written exam.

The oral session consists of 2-3 questions aimed to an analytical assessment of the expected learning outcomes, that are:

1. Knowledge of the main properties of metallic biomaterials of major use.

2. Knowledge of the main tools and methods for the microstructural and mechanical characterization of metallic biomaterials.

3. Ability to make the correct choice of the most suitable metallic biomaterial and treatment to satisfy specific functions in use.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject and a comprehensible use of technical language. A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject and an inappropriate use of technical language. Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic and deep understanding of the subject, a good capability of connecting different topics and a proper use of technical language.

The final vote that will be recorded will be calculated as the arithmetic average of the single votes that the student will have obtained in the two modules (BIOMATERIALI METALLICI M - BIOMATERIALI POLIMERICI, CERAMICI E COMPOSITI M). If the result of the average presents the decimal number 0.5, the vote will be rounded in excess. In order to obtain the "30 cum laude" final evaluation, the student must be in one of the following two cases:

- have received "30 cum laude" in both modules

- obtaining "30 cum laude" in one module and 30 in the other.

Examinations schedule is available in advance on the University of Bologna web site AlmaEsami. Students intending to take the exam must subscribe in AlmaEsami and must show a ID document on the day of the exam.

Teaching tools

Computer and videoprojector, blackboard.

Visits to the Metallurgy laboratory are proposed (tools and methods for the microstructural and mechanical characterization and the metal failure analysis).

Services for students with special needs and students with specific learning disabilities may be arranged on request (https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/guidance-and-tutoring/disabled-and-dyslexic-students-service).

Links to further information

https://youtu.be/YfcBDI0TRi4

Office hours

See the website of Lorella Ceschini