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MINSK, 19 April (BelTA) – The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) has designed high-tech implants made of titanium. The statement was made by Vitaly Zalessky, Director of the NASB Physical-Technical Institute, as the international conference Ti 2018 in the CIS opened in Minsk on 19 April, the NASB press service told BelTA.

According to the source, Belarusian scientists are now working to create titanium implants for various branches of healthcare such as traumatology, cardio surgery, stomatology, spine surgery, and orthopedics. “Our institute has implemented a number of innovative projects. Technologies for making precisely shaped semi-finished products for endoprosthesis replacement of large human joints have been developed and mastered as a result. The Healthcare Ministry’s demand for cement-free hip joint replacements is satisfied now. Titanium knee joint replacements have been developed. Preparations for manufacturing them are underway. Batch production is supposed to begin soon,” said Vitaly Zalessky. Titanium implants are designed to last for up to 20 years and resist biodeterioration — they can be safely transplanted into human bodies.

The institute has also developed implants with biocompatible protective and decorative coatings. They boast increased durability in comparison with the standard variety and better bond with the bone tissue.

The 16^th international conference Ti 2018 in the CIS is the largest forum for specialists in the field of titanium applications. The conference is scheduled to take place at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 18-21 April for the first time in 16 years. The NASB Physical-Technical Institute is the Belarusian organizer of the event. Apart from regular participants from CIS states (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus) taking part in the forum are top specialists from Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Poland, China, Ireland, the USA, and other countries. Over 200 people from 15 countries are taking part in the forum.

The Ti 2018 in the CIS conference is traditionally held in different cities where research into titanium and its alloys is well-developed. The conference offers a venue for discussing and exchanging opinions about international accomplishments and trends of titanium industry development. The Minsk conference is expected to focus on changes in titanium applications from healthcare to space industry, titanium applications in 3D technologies, new accomplishments in titanium metallurgy and metal technology, the development of the titanium industry’s raw materials base. A review of the titanium and ferrotitanium market in the CIS and the world will be arranged as well as a review of national titanium industry development programs.