What is a disadvantage of using ceramics in biomaterials?

Ceramics are often used in biomaterials due to their desirable properties, but one significant disadvantage is their brittleness. Brittleness refers to the tendency of a material to fracture or break under stress rather than deforming. This characteristic can limit the applications of ceramics in load-bearing implants or in areas subjected to dynamic forces, such as joints or dental applications, where flexibility and resilience are important for performance and longevity.

While ceramics possess bioactive properties that can promote integration with biological tissues, as well as exhibiting high wear resistance and compressive strength, these attributes do not mitigate the inherent brittleness. In many instances, this brittleness can lead to failure in critical situations that require materials to withstand varying stresses and strains. Therefore, it is essential to consider the trade-offs when selecting ceramics for use in biomedical applications, aiming for a balance between their advantageous characteristics and their limitations.