Bioresorbable biomaterials used in medical implants, including polymers and ceramics.

Professor Fraser Buchanan graduated with a first class degree in Materials Science and Metallurgy from Imperial College, London in 1987. After spending two years at Rolls-Royce, Bristol, working in an aerospace manufacturing environment, he undertook a PhD at University of Cambridge on the topic of high temperature carbon-carbon composites. Following this he worked at Cookson Group, Oxford, developing refractory systems for handing of molten steel and decorative glazes for the tile industry. He then returned to an academic environment, working on hip and knee joint replacements at University of Nottingham.

Professor Buchanan started as a new lecturer in Queen's in 1998 and was appointed as Chair in Biomaterials Engineering within the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in 2010. He has been involved in various aspects of materials degradation research for the past 20 years. His research has more recently focused on the influence of process conditions and post-processing modifications on the performance of biomaterials such as calcium phosphate ceramics and bioresorbable polymers. His current research on calcium phopsphates focuses on two main areas. Firstly, optimising the performance of injectable calcium phosphate cements. Secondly, development of naturally derived bioresorbable calcium phosphates derived from marine algae. His research on bioresorbable polymers currently focuses on synthetic biocompatible polymers (e.g. aliphatic polyesters) such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). Projects include modification of degradation behaviour through incorporation of additives and electron beam treatment surface treatments.

Materials 1 MEE1021 for stage 1 Mechanical, Product Design and Aerospace Engineers

Polymer Materials 3 MEE3062 for stage 3 Mechanical Engineers and Product Designers

Undergraduated projects, mainly relating the biomaterials and medical implants