A review of tribological performance of implants and metallic objects used in the body and the coating techniques employed to improve their wear resistance

Metallic alloys are utilized widely as implants and bio-tools due to their prominent mechanical properties. They can be used as endoprostheses, dental implants, cardiovascular devices parts, and surgery tools. The working conditions and the environmental characteristics of the body cause the implants to be exposed to various types of wear. Abrasion is a critical factor in controlling the life cycle of the implant and the metallic parts used in the body and many of these objects fail to function properly due to abrasion phenomena. Moreover, the fine particles produced due to abrasion can actively produce inflammation and loosening at the interface between the implant and the host tissue. In this paper, various metallic alloys that are used as implants and the bio-tools and their corresponding wear mechanisms have been reviewed, comprehensively. Moreover, the coating techniques that enhance the tribological performance of the objects and implants have been studied and their advantages and disadvantages have been discussed.