Potential of titanium based alloys in the biomedical sector and their surface modification techniques: A review

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys are belonging to the class of biomedical materials and have amazing characteristic features, including high corrosion protection, incredible wear resistance, superb hardness, and extraordinary bio-degradability and activity. Due to these remarkable qualities, titanium materials are considerably treated in medical applications like bone implantation, surgical devices and prosthesis, dental implants, and fracture bone fixation by screws, plates, nails and abutments. However, there is a property of titanium alloys that it holds layers of oxygen over the surface, but the atmospheric reactions/changes at extremely high temperature alter the morphology of the films, resulting in the loss of biological performance. In order to cover up this barrier, surface treatments are performed through different mechanical, chemical, and physical means. The treatments over the surface enhance the micro-features, improve the biocompatibility, and extend the life of coatings on titanium substrate. These modifications allow the various titanium alloys to be principally used in medical and dental applications. Considering the significance and applications of these alloys, this article is mainly conducted to scrutinize the various aspects, that is, biomedical applications and surface modification techniques, of titanium-based materials.