Characteristics of defect formation in aluminium oxide reinforced bioactive glass

Composite materials containing a bioactive phase (sol–gel-derived bioglass) and a mechanical strength phase (bubble alumina or sintered corundum) are promising materials for repair of living tissues. The microstructure of the biocomposite material, its mechanical properties and the processing routes used are all very strongly interrelated. SEM was used to investigate the phenomena occurring at the two phase interfaces. Porosity is one of the most common defects in this composite, which negatively affects strength. The systems were irradiated with beta radiation at different doses. Absorption and luminescence of these biocomposites were studied with the main attention paid to trap centres. The measurement results prove a high sensitivity of our experimental method to the effects of the surface glass modifications.