SURFACE MODIFICATION AND SURFACE COMPOSITES DEVELOPMENT TECHNIQUES FOR BIOCOMPATIBLE AND BIODEGRADABLE ALLOYS

Abstract

The degradation control of implants has now become a most critical factor for investigation. The rapid degradation or uncontrolled degradation of metals causes allergic reaction and implants failure. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of biometals are essential properties for the development of bioimplants. The biodegradation is the chemical reaction of implants metal with the surrounding body fluids. The gradual dilution of metal oxide with the body fluid is considered as a degradation. Magnesium, zinc, and iron metals are biodegradable metals. The biodegradability of as-cast metals is not capable of fulfilling the need of patients, therefore, degradation of implants is required to be in control. Many more research articles have been published on improvement of corrosion resistive implant surface by coating, passivation oxide layer, plasma spraying, electropolishing, blasting, chemical etching, laser treatment, heat treatment, severe plastic deformation (SPD), alloying, and development of surface composites. This paper critically reviewed the surface modification and surface composite fabrication techniques to improve the biodegradability, biocompatibility, and strength of implants.