A review of the application of anodization for the fabrication of nanotubes on metal implant surfaces

Metal implants are the best choice for the long-term replacement of hard tissue, such as hip and knee joints, because of their excellent mechanical properties. Titanium and its alloys, due to their self-organized oxide layer, which protects the surface from corrosion and prevents ion release, are widely accepted as biocompatible metal implants. Surface modification is essential for the promotion of the osseointegration of these biomaterials. Nanotubes fabricated on the surface of metal implants by anodization are receiving ever-increasing attention for surface modification. This paper provides an overview of the employment of anodization for nanotubes fabricated on the surface of titanium, titanium alloys and titanium alloying metals such as niobium, tantalum and zirconium metal implants. This work explains anodic oxidation and the manner by which nanotubes form on the surface of the metals. It then assesses this topical research to indicate how changes in anodizing conditions influence nanotube characteristics such as tube diameters and nanotube-layer thickness.