In the recent era, distinct metallic materials such as titanium, stainless steel,
titanium alloys, and Co-Cr alloy are widely used for implant manufacturing. But for
successful implantation, these biomaterials require good biocompatibility, corrosion
resistance, low elastic modulus, which is required closer to actual human bone, high
strength, and non-cytotoxic. These biomaterials have primarily been used in specific
applications such as orthopaedic fixation devices, dental implants, and cardiovascular
stents. The corrosion of metal implants, on the other hand, determines the service
period of implantation due to the release of incompatible metal ions into the human
body, which may cause allergic reactions. As a result, the focus of this chapter is
initially on metal biomaterials and their properties. The causes of implant failure are
then highlighted, with a focus on corrosion mechanism details. Finally, various surface
modification techniques, such as thermal-based surface modification techniques, are
discussed in detail, as are their applications in improving corrosion resistance,
biocompatibility, and osseointegration of various biomaterials.
Keywords: Biocompatibility, Bio-materials, Corrosion, Coatings, Implant, Medical devices, Mechanism, Osseointegration, Surface modification methods, Wear.
