Titanium-Based alloys and composites for orthopedic implants Applications: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The increasing demand for orthopedic implants has driven the search for materials that combine strength, biocompatibility, and long lifetime. Compared to stainless steel and Co-Cr-based alloys, titanium (Ti) and its alloys are favored for biomedical implants because of their high strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. This comprehensive review delivers a wide overview of the field of titanium-based biomaterials for orthopedic implants applications, focusing on their types, mechanical and chemical resistance, surface modifications, innovations in fabrication techniques, titanium matrix composites, and machine learning advancements. Titanium alloys of different crystalline phases, including α, near-α, (α + β), β, and shape memory alloys, offer diverse options for orthopedic applications. Strengthening properties, wear, fatigue, and corrosion resistance are crucial factors influencing the performance and reliability of titanium implants. Moreover, this review discussed the challenges to titanium-based biomaterial durability through surface modifications to enhance their biofunction, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial properties. Recent developments in fabrication techniques for titanium-based biomaterials are also discussed. Eventually, this review investigated how machine learning (ML) revolutionized titanium orthopedic implants by providing insights into the behavior of new alloys, aiding in manufacturing optimization, allowing for real-time quality control, and advancing the development of personalized, biocompatible, and reliable implants.