Surface texture processing methods of medical nitinol alloy and tribological characteristics: a review

Abstract Nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys are widely used in the medical field due to their excellent strength, biocompatibility, and tribological properties. Additionally, NiTi exhibits unique characteristics such as shape memory and pseudo-elasticity, which confer significant advantages in the manufacturing of components with specific functions. However, friction and wear inevitably occur during service, compromising component performance and potentially necessitating replacement in severe cases. Surface texture effectively modulates tribological performance across micro and macro scales through alterations in surface geometric morphology and microstructure, thereby regulating friction, wear, and lubrication characteristics. Numerous surface texture processing methods are currently available. This paper systematically reviews texture processing methods categorized by machining principle, including conventional methods (turning, milling, grinding) alongside advanced techniques such as laser processing, electrical discharge machining (EDM), abrasive jet machining (AJM), electron beam melting (EBM), electrochemical machining (ECM), chemical etching, and hybrid approaches. The study comparatively analyzes the advantages and limitations of each method while evaluating their respective influences on the tribological properties of resultant surface textures. Furthermore, current challenges and future prospects in NiTi surface texture technology are addressed, offering critical insights for advancing research on texture processing methods and their tribological performance in medical NiTi applications.