Titanium Biocompatibility and Osseointegration
- Titanium is the most biocompatible metal due to its resistance to corrosion from bodily fluids.
- It is bio-inert and has a high capacity for osseointegration.
- Titanium implants have a high fatigue limit and last longer compared to alternatives.
- High energy surfaces induce angiogenesis during osseointegration.
- Titanium implants physically bond with bone, eliminating the need for adhesives.
- Surface properties of biomaterials play a crucial role in cellular response and osseointegration.

Surface Properties of Titanium
- Titanium's protective oxide film prevents reactions between the metal and the surrounding environment.
- The oxide film is strongly adhered, insoluble, and chemically impermeable.
- Titanium can have different standard electrode potentials depending on its oxidation state.
- The adsorption of hydroxyl groups, lipoproteins, and glycolipids on titanium changes its interaction with the body.
- Alloying elements in the passive layer add biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.

Surface Coating and Adsorption
- Cellular binding to a titanium oxide surface occurs naturally.
- Titanium alloys like Ti-Zr and Ti-Nb release zirconium and niobium ions, which are added to the passivation layer.
- The alloying elements in the passive layer improve biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
- Surface coating optimization can enhance the wetting of titanium implants.
- Grafted polymers on the metal surface promote cell binding and increase the contact area for integration.
- Corrosion of the titanium oxide film increases with mechanical abrasion.
- Titanium and its alloys can undergo hydrogen absorption, leading to material failure.
- Hydrogen embrittlement and TiH formation can occur under fretting-crevice corrosion conditions.

Mechanical Properties of Titanium
- Titanium has excellent mechanical properties, including high strength and low density.
- It has a high tensile strength, allowing it to withstand significant mechanical stress.
- Titanium is highly resistant to fatigue and corrosion, making it suitable for long-term implantation.
- It has a low modulus of elasticity, which helps to reduce stress shielding and promote bone remodeling.
- Titanium alloys can be tailored to have specific mechanical properties.

Medical Applications of Titanium
- Titanium is one of the most commonly used metals in medical and dental applications.
- It is biocompatible and well-tolerated by the human body.
- Titanium implants have a high success rate, with long-term survival rates exceeding 95%.
- The use of titanium in medical devices and implants has revolutionised orthopedics and dentistry.
- Other metals, such as stainless steel and cobalt-chromium alloys, are also used in medical applications.