Ceramic formation on metallic surfaces (ceramization) for medical applications.

Surface transformations can be performed on metals in order to combine their load-bearing properties to the inertness and wear resistance of ceramics. In a joint prosthesis, metals are useful for their high fatigue strength and ductility, but they are more sensitive to superficial corrosion and wear than ceramics. Coating a ceramic on metal surface will improve the qualities of the metallic component. The various ways of transforming a metallic surface into a ceramic one are described. First, the surface treatments to improve the friction and wear properties are analysed. Coatings and surface transformations give superficial inert compounds. Many techniques are used to create hard, corrosion resistant layers on the surface. The processes may involve heating of the treated parts. But some metals cannot be heated without an alteration of their mechanical properties. The adhesion strength--and thus, the lifetime--of the ceramic layers depend on the binding forces and on the structure of the interfaces between the bulk metal and the outermost ceramic. Coatings generally have a lower adhesion strength than in-situ formed phases and the risk of peeling is higher. Second, the plasma-sprayed coatings performed to improve the bone anchorage are described. This review does not deal with bioactive materials. So, only the alumina coatings and their mechanical compatibility advantage are present.