Abstract: A biodegradable tire includes an elastomeric matrix and a shape memory alloy scaffold integral with the matrix. The elastomeric matrix includes (by weight of the matrix) a flax seed material derived from 14% to 19%, a guayule-derived natural rubber from 55% to 65%, a metal oxide from 12% to 15%, a carbon-based filler from 9% to 12%, and one or both of an antioxidant and an antiozonant, each from 1.8% to 3.1%. Further, the tire is airless. In addition, the shape memory alloy scaffold comprises a Ni—Ti shape memory alloy, a Cu—Zn shape memory alloy, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a zirconia-layered orthopedic implant component includes depositing zirconium onto the orthopedic implant component, thereby forming a zirconium-layered component, and converting at least a portion of the zirconium into a substantially monoclinic zirconia surface layer unaccompanied by a substantial underlying ?-phase. A method for producing a zirconia-layered orthopedic implant component includes depositing zirconium onto the orthopedic implant component by ion bombardment and deposition in a vacuum to form a zirconium-layered component including an intermix zone at least 1000 ? thick and a zirconium layer about 3-5 ?m thick, and heat treating the zirconium-layered component at a temperature of about 500-600° C. in an atmosphere containing oxygen.

Abstract: A method for attaching a porous metal layer to a dense metal substrate, wherein the method is particularly useful in forming orthopedic implants such as femoral knee components or acetabular cups. The method, in one embodiment thereof, comprises providing a structured porous layer; providing a dense metal substrate; providing a binding mixture; applying the binding mixture to the exterior of the substrate; placing the porous layer against the substrate such that the binding mixture is disposed there between forming an assembly; and heat treating the assembly to metallurgically bond the porous layer to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for attaching a porous metal layer to a dense metal substrate, wherein the method is particularly useful in forming orthopedic implants such as femoral knee components, femoral hip components, and/or acetabular cups. The method, in one embodiment thereof, comprises providing a solid metal substrate; providing a porous metal structure; contouring a surface of the porous metal structure; placing the porous structure against the substrate such that the contoured surface of the porous metal structure is disposed against the substrate, thereby forming an assembly; applying heat and pressure to the assembly in conjunction with thermal expansion of the substrate in order to metallurgically bond the porous structure and the substrate; and removing mass from the substrate after the porous structure is bonded to the substrate, thereby finish processing the assembly.

Abstract: A method of making an orthopaedic implant includes the step of forming an orthopaedic implant body which has a supporting surface. A porous metal pad is formed to fit the supporting surface of the body. The porous metal pad is clamped and/or adhesively bonded to the supporting surface. A laser beam is coupled between the porous metal pad and the implant body at a plurality of locations so as to form a coalescence of metal between the porous metal pad and the body.