Titanium based biomaterial for bone implants: A mini review

Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are used as promising material for bone implants due to their high strength to weight ratio and good biocompatibility. Many researchers investigated variety of titanium alloys having compatible properties with different types of bones by mixing different elements. Low elastic modulus, non-toxic and bio-compatibility are some important parameters that are investigated in literature. Magnesium (Mg) is well known for its biodegradability. A Ti-Mg composite has emerged as excellent candidate for bone implant due to its low elastic constant, high strength to weight, excellent bio-compatibility. The bio-degradability property of Mg makes a excellent choice to mix with Ti that gives provision for tissue ingrowth. But the deterioration of strength of implant after degradation of Mg puts limitation on content of Mg in Ti-Mg composites. Powder metallurgy is emerged as a suitable manufacturing method of Ti-Mg composites. The more detailed study of process parameters of powder metallurgy is required for enhancement of Ti-Mg properties. Further the research on fracture behavior of implants under fatigue load is also in early stage and there is scope to investigate the life expectancy of implants.