Abstract: An implantable composition of a biocompatible porous metal for enhanced tissue in-growth and fixation in the body. The metal has a porosity greater than 80% and up to about 95% which allows good cell population, yet it also provides structural integrity and stability allowing its use as a weight-bearing implant. In various embodiments, the metal may be titanium, which includes titanium alloys, or may be a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy. The high porosity desirably facilitates in-growth of cells and/or tissues, which in turn facilitates biological fixation and biocompatibility. This is beneficial, for example, in an orthopedic implant such as a hip replacement, for facilitating in-growth of connective tissue and bone cells. The porous composition is structurally stable.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a highly densified boron carbide ceramic body by the pyrolysis of a mixture comprising boron carbide powder and a preceramic organosilicon polymer selected from the group consisting of polysiloxanes, polysilazanes, polysilanes, metallopolysiloxanes and metallopolysilanes. Such highly densified ceramic bodies can be prepared by sintering under pressure or by utilizing a pressureless process.