Dr. Ping Liu has been with the School of Technology in the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Science since 1991 and currently teaches in the areas of materials and quality management. His research interests include materials, biomedical polymers, photoluminescent polymers and products, tribology, failure analysis, problem solving and materials recycling. As part of his research activities, Dr. Liu leads a group here at Eastern Illinois University which investigates ways to improve the performance of biomedical polymers. One of the applications of this research is joint replacement implants. The bone ends of a healthy joint are covered with a smooth layer of cartilage.
Normal cartilage allows nearly frictionless and pain-free movement.
Every joint is enclosed by a fibrous tissue envelope or a capsule with a smooth tissue lining called the synovium. The synovium produces fluid that reduces friction and wear in a joint. However, when the cartilage is damaged or diseased by arthritis, joints become stiff and painful. In the most severe cases, total joint replacement surgery becomes necessary. The materials used in a total joint replacement are designed to enable the joint to move just like a normal joint.