Fabrication of 3D printed Si3N4 bioceramics with superior comprehensive performance through ZnO nanowires doping.

Silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4) material holds significant potential as a widespread applied biomedical material with high reliability in mechanical properties and biological activity. This study utilized 3D printing techniques to fabricate Si 3 N 4 bioceramics reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires, which overcomes the dilemma faced by traditional Si 3 N 4 materials, which possess excellent mechanical properties but lack sufficient antibacterial performance, or porous Si 3 N 4 materials that exhibit good antibacterial properties yet suffer from poor mechanical characteristics. Compared to Ti-alloy, Al 2 O 3 , PEEK, and conventional Si 3 N 4 materials, the Si 3 N 4 bioceramic with an addition of 5 wt percent (wt%) ZnO nanowires retains superior mechanical properties: bending strength of 735 MPa, fracture toughness of 8.25 MPa m1/2, vickers hardness of 14.8 GPa, and compressive strength of 2575 MPa. Furthermore, the material demonstrates commendable biocompatibility and outstanding antibacterial effects. Cellular activity on the surface of this material is also noted to be exceptionally vigorous. Research indicates that the synergistic effects of 3D printing characteristics and the appropriate inclusion of ZnO nanowires, which positively interact with β-Si 3 N 4 crystals, are primarily responsible for the exceptional comprehensive performance of 3D printed Si 3 N 4 bioceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]