Laser surface remelting of Ti and its alloys for improving surface biocompatibility of orthopaedic implants

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys are widely popular for manufacturing of orthopaedic implants. Surface modification of those implants is carried out to improve the biocompatibility. Laser can be used for surface modification to enhance surface biocompatibilty through different routes, surface cladding and alloying being the most common. Laser surface remelting process, being a simpler process with less number of process parameters involved, has potential advantages in industrial environments. This paper discusses the process fundamental of laser surface remelting, and explores the effects of different process parameters on microstructural, topographical, tribological and bio-interfacial aspects of biocompatibility of Ti alloys, as found from existing literature. The limitations associated with laser surface remelting processes are also identified.