Influence of Laser Modification on the Surface Character of Biomaterials: Titanium and Its Alloys—A Review

Abstract

Laser surface modification is a widely available and simple technique that can be applied to different types of materials. It has been shown that by using a laser heat source, reproducible surfaces can be obtained, which is particularly important when developing materials for medical applications. The laser modification of titanium and its alloys is advantageous due to the possibility of controlling selected parameters and properties of the material, which offers the prospect of obtaining a material with the characteristics required for biomedical applications. This paper analyzes the effect of laser modification without material growth on titanium and its alloys. It addresses issues related to the surface roughness parameters, wettability, and corrosion resistance, and discusses how laser modification changes the hardness and wear resistance of materials. A thorough review of the literature on the subject provides a basis for the scientific community to develop further experiments based on the already investigated relationships between the effects of the laser beam and the surface at the macro, micro, and nano level.