Surface Coating and Modification of Metallic Biomaterials

Book excerpt: Despite advances in alternative materials, metals are still the biomaterial of choice for a number of clinical applications such as dental, orthopedic and cardiac implants. However, there are a number of intrinsic problems associated with implanting metal in the biological environment, such as wear, corrosion, biocompatibility and toxicity, which must be addressed. Modern technology has enabled scientists to modify metal surfaces or apply special coatings to metals to improve their performance safety. Surface Coating and Modification of Metallic Biomaterials will discuss the most important modification techniques and coatings for metals, first covering the fundamentals of metals as a biomaterial and then exploring surface modification techniques and coatings. - An expansive overview of surface modification techniques for biomedical use - In-depth exploration of issues arising from metal biomaterial use - Includes examples of applications in a clinical setting