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The macroscopic behaviour of materials is based on the microstructural composition of the material itself, the design, and the environmental conditions in use. Properties like grain size, constitution of the phases, orientation, hardness, tensile and compressive strength, phase transition points, as well as crack initiation and crack growth can be investigated in-situ in a specially equipped Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). By using the combination of SEM and Focussed Ion Beam (FIB) each parameter can be considered in three dimensions.

Focus of this thesis will be a combination of methods based on a SEM/FIB coupling associated with the possibility of in-situ testing, heating, and analysis to improve metallic implant materials. Apart from the behaviour under mechanical loading and heating or cooling conditions, the materials' surface after cutting and grinding as well as the corrosion behaviour will be investigated to improve biocompatibility. Materials can be Co-, Ti-base or comparable alloys.