An updated review on TiNi alloy for biomedical applications

Abstract This manuscript has provided an overview of the development of TiNi alloys and their applications in biomedicine. The microstructures and properties of TiNi alloys are first introduced. The breakthroughs in the manufacturing and applications in biomedicine of TiNi alloys in recent years have been achieved by scientists and are presented in the present paper. It is well known that the properties of TiNi alloys are affected by the modification methods on the surface of bulk TiNi alloys. The main preparation technologies of TiNi alloy coatings are evaluated, with particular attention to several spray technologies. Then, the biocompatibility, strong anticorrosion and antiwear properties, and mechanism of TiNi alloys are also described in detail. Several advanced manufacturing processes of TiNi alloys are also briefly outlined such as selective laser melting and spark plasma sintering. The performance of TiNi alloy coatings prepared by thermal spraying techniques are fully qualified for medical applications. Thermal spraying techniques have great prospects in reducing the cost and improving the quality of TiNi alloy medical products.