Review on titanium and titanium alloy usage in biomedical implantation applications

Abstract

Titanium and titanium alloys possess various properties which contribute to their superior osseointegration and durability in implant fixture applications. This review discusses the current state of titanium use in biomedical research, development, and clinical application structures. The microstructural and mechanical properties of commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys are outlined, as well as the effects of their mechanical properties on biocompatibility and stress shielding. Processing methods of titanium alloys which improve these properties are discussed including thermomechanical processing, selective laser melting, electron beam melting, laser shock peening, and sol-gel processing. Also, multiple bioactive glass coatings on titanium implant pieces are currently being explored to improve bone-implant interactions. The high average tensile strength of titanium and its effective biocompatibility can be observed in the clinical application of various structural implants containing titanium alloys. The benefits and drawbacks of commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys, resulting from the current state of research and applications, are outlined and compared.