This volume considers the most common materials used in medical devices. State-of-the-art reference information is given for implant materials including stainless steels, cobalt-base alloys, titanium, shape memory alloys, noble metals, ceramics, and polymers.

Examples of materials- and mechanical-based failures of medical devices provide lessons learned in the failure analysis section. Biotribology and implant wear are covered extensively, including clinical wear and biological aspects of implant wear. A detailed look at corrosion includes its effects, corrosion products, mechanically assisted corrosion and corrosion fatigue. Biocompatibility is also discussed at length including biocompatibility of ceramics and polymers.