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.