Wim Richter

Infobox Scientist
name = Wim Richter
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birth_date = 23 May, 1946
birth_place = South Africa
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field = Chemistry
work_institutions = CSIR
alma_mater = University of Pretoria,
University of South Africa,
known_for = Calcium Phosphate-based Bioceramics
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Dr. Paul Wilhelm Richter (May 23 1946-) is a South African chemist and principal researcher involved in bioceramic research activities [http://www.csir.co.za/msm/polymers_and_bioceramics/staff_richter.html,Dr Wim Richter] , "CSIR Staff Biographies"] . He is most widely known for his development of the hydroxyapatite orbital implant.

Dr Richter completed his BSc degree studies in Chemistry at the University of Pretoria in 1967, followed by a MSc in Chemistry in 1969. His PhD was obtained through the University of South Africa in 1971.

Richter worked as a research scientist at the CSIR since 1970. His areas of involvement include solid-state chemistry (structure - property - processing - performance relationship), x-ray diffraction, high pressure phase studies, thermal analysis, magnetic materials, crystal growth, ferroelectricity, injection moulding, rapid prototyping and ceramic processing.

Major Works

Dr Richter's career in research and development in the field of ceramics, and more recently on Bioceramics for medical applications, culminated in the successful development and commercialism of the Eyeborn orbital implant [http://www.nstfawards.org.za/news23april2007.htm,Dr Wim Richter, finalist] , "NSTF Awards-Individual over a lifetime"] . Eyeborn is a hydroxyapatite orbital implant used to replace the eyeball of a patient who has lost an eyeDu Preez, WB, Richter PW. 2006. Eyeborn – restored quality of life for the visually impaired. All Africa technology diffusion conference, Boksburg, South Africa, 2006, 10p.] . A prosthetic eye cap is fitted on the front of the Eyeborn implant, restoring the patient's appearance and improving his quality of lifeDu Preez, WB, Richter, PW and Hope, D. 2006. Product development lessons from the Eyeborn experience. 7th Annual International Conference on Competitive Tooling of the Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa (RAPDASA), 1-3 November, 2006, 13p] .

The key innovation for the implant is the ease with which it integrates with the eye socket tissue, giving the artificial eye natural movement. This product was launched and introduced to the eye specialist community during the annual international conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Southern Africa at Sun City in February 2004 and is presently being sold commercially in SA and abroad and has been recognized by international awards.

Notable Publications

* Aug-1999, Macroporous hydroxyapatite bioceramics by solid freeform fabrication: towards custom implants" [http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/handle/10204/2060] Richter, PW; Thomas, ME; Van Deventer, T
* Aug-1999, Novel combination of reverse engineering and vapid prototyping in medicine [http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/handle/10204/816] Schenker, R; De Beer, DJ; Du Preez, WB; Thomas, ME; Richter, PW
* Aug-1999, Macroporous synthetic hydroxyapatite bioceramics for bone substitute applications [http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/handle/10204/1893] Thomas, ME; Richter, PW; Van Deventer, T; Crooks, J; Ripamonti, U
* Jul-2006, Eyeborn – restored quality of life for the visually impaired [http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/handle/10204/1078] Du Preez, WB; Richter, PW; Hope, D; Kotze, CP
* Nov-2006, Product development lessons from the Eyeborn experience [http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/handle/10204/1079] Du Preez, WB; Richter, PW; Hope, D

References