Development of Cathodic Arc Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) for biomaterials applications. Medical prostheses have intricate geometries, consisting of shapes such as screws, holes, wedges, cones and textured surfaces. Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation using metal or carbon ions produced by a cathodic arc has been found to be an excellent process for producing surface modification with the properties required in medical applications, such as low stress and excellent adhesion of very thic ....Development of Cathodic Arc Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) for biomaterials applications. Medical prostheses have intricate geometries, consisting of shapes such as screws, holes, wedges, cones and textured surfaces. Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation using metal or carbon ions produced by a cathodic arc has been found to be an excellent process for producing surface modification with the properties required in medical applications, such as low stress and excellent adhesion of very thick coatings. To date this process has only been applied to simple, flat substrates. Extending it to shapes of interest for biomaterials applications will require comprehensive understanding and control of the sheath dynamics, which our combined theoretical and experimental approach will provide.Read moreRead less
Hermetic bonding of biomedical polymers for cardiac-assist devices. The use of a polymeric ventricular assist device will bring a much better quality of life to patients with end-stage heart failure. The project will address the remaining challenge, the creation of a hermetic polymer seal, enabling the development of a small, light and highly efficient heart pump. The project has the potential to improve the lives of many Australians as our demographic profile shifts towards older people. Patie ....Hermetic bonding of biomedical polymers for cardiac-assist devices. The use of a polymeric ventricular assist device will bring a much better quality of life to patients with end-stage heart failure. The project will address the remaining challenge, the creation of a hermetic polymer seal, enabling the development of a small, light and highly efficient heart pump. The project has the potential to improve the lives of many Australians as our demographic profile shifts towards older people. Patients with advanced heart failure will live longer, with a higher quality of life. It will assist heart failure sufferers to remain productive members of our community, because many people who use the device will be fit to return to work.Read moreRead less