Interface strength studies of calcium phosphate ceramic coated strain gauges

In vivo strain gauging has been used to understand physiological loading and bone remodeling. In early studies, a cyanoacrylate adhesive was used to bond gauges to bone, even though this adhesive is susceptible to biodegradation that results in rapid debonding. Calcium phosphate ceramic (CPC) coated gauges have been successfully bonded to bone for long periods. However, earlier studies noted occasional debonding of coatings from gauges. The goals of this project were to develop a technique to securely bond particles to gauge backings and develop an in vitro test and assess its accuracy in simulating in vivo degradation of this interface. Gauges were heated for different time intervals, roughened with carbide papers, and prepared using layered coatings of polysulfone and CPC particles that varied in size, shape, and crystallinity. They were soaked in solution or placed in muscle pouches of rats for up to 16 weeks. They were then epoxied to fixtures, mounted on an MTS machine, and loaded to failure. Heating and roughening gauge surfaces increased the interface strengths by up to 2000%. In vivo and in vitro testing showed an initial drop in the interface strength, which leveled off to approximately 7.0+/-2.0 MPa.