The Importance of Metallic Materials as Biomaterials

Abstract

Metallic materials are pure metals (titanium, for example) and alloys, which are composed of two or more elements, with at least one being a metallic element. They have large numbers of nonlocalized electrons; that is, these electrons are not bound to particular atoms. Many properties of metals are directly attributable to these electrons. Metals are extremely good conductors of electricity and heat and are not transparent to visible light; a polished metal surface has a lustrous appearance. Furthermore, metals are quite strong, yet deformable, which accounts for their extensive use in structural applications. 2These materials are technologically interesting because they can be ductile (aluminum) or brittle (cast iron) and their properties can be altered depending on the chemical composition and / or manufacturing processes used.Metals and alloys can be divided into two basic groups: ferrous and nonferrous. Ferrous metals are based on iron; the group includes steel and cast iron. Nonferrous metals include the other metallic elements and their alloys. In almost all cases, the alloys are more important commercially than the pure metals. 3 The nonferrous metals include the pure metals and alloys of aluminum, copper, nickel, silver, titanium, zinc, cobalt and other metals. The present mini review is aimed to show principles of technological importance of metals used as biomaterials.Metals are used as biomaterials due to their excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical properties. Biomaterials are artificial or natural materials, used to in the making of structures or implants, to replace the lost or diseased biological structure to restore form and function. Thus biomaterial helps in improving the quality of life and longevity of human beings and the field of biomaterials has shown rapid growth to keep with the demands of an aging population. Biomaterials are used in different parts of the human body as artificial valves in the heart, stents in blood vessels, replacement implants in shoulders, knees, hips, elbows, ears and orthodental structures. [4][5][6] In general, metallic biomaterials are used for load bearing applications and must have sufficient fatigue strength to endure the rigors of daily activity. At the time, the metallic materials used for biomedical applications are 316L stainless steel, cobalt chromium alloys (CoCrMo), titanium-based alloys (Ti-6Al-4V) and miscellaneous others (including tantalum, gold, dental amalgams and other "specialty" metals). Titanium is becoming one of the most promising engineering materials and the interest in the application of titanium alloys to mechanical and tribological components is growing rapidly in the biomedical field, 7 due to their excellent properties. Table 1 lists the various metallic materials that are used in total hip joint replacement. 8,9The main property required of a metal as biomaterial is that it does not illicit an adverse reaction when placed into services, that means to be a biocompatible material. As well, good mechanical properties, osseointe...

Characterization of Implantation's Biomaterials Based on the Patient and Doctor Expectations

“…With a quick review of the mechanical properties of natural bone and Magnesium, it can be concluded that the values of the material properties of natural bone and Magnesium are close to each other. With the further assessment of Table 1, it is easy to find out that the value of density in natural bone (1.7 to 2.0g/cm 3 ) is approximately in the same range as Magnesium density (1.74 to 2.0g/cm 3 ). It is one of the reasons that Magnesium is one of the best biomaterials for the application of implantations in human body as is a perfect match with natural bone based on density.…”

“…In order to investigate the environmental effect of human body on biomaterials, many experimental procedures are performed [2]. In 2017, the role of metallic materials as biomaterials in human body is introduced by Santos [3]. Metallic materials can be used in artificial valves in the heart, stents in blood vessels, replacement implants in shoulder, knees, hips, elbows, ears and ortho dental structures [3].…”

“…In 2017, the role of metallic materials as biomaterials in human body is introduced by Santos [3]. Metallic materials can be used in artificial valves in the heart, stents in blood vessels, replacement implants in shoulder, knees, hips, elbows, ears and ortho dental structures [3]. Recently, Titanium alloys have attracted many researchers due to their excellence biocompatibility [4,5].…”

Modeling and Characterization of Complex Concentrated Alloys with Reduced Content of Critical Raw Materials

“…However, for reasons of ancient religious dogmas, the medical applications were slowed down until 1500 A.D. Despite all these impediments, in 659 B.C., a metallic material with applicability in dental medicine was developed, containing 100 parts of mercury, 45 parts of silver, and 900 parts of tin [ 3 ].…”

Cycle numbers to failure for magnesium and its alloys in human body fluid

“…In 2017, the role of metallic materials as biomaterials in human body is introduced by Santos (2017). Metallic materials can be used in artificial valves in the heart, stents in blood vessels, replacement implants in shoulder, knees, hips, elbows, ears and ortho-dental structures (Santos, 2017). Recently, Titanium alloys have attracted many researchers due to their excellent biocompatibility (Wang and Xu, 2017;Findik, 2017).…”