Surface energy of etched ceramic

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Dental feldspathic ceramics are widely used in prosthodontics.
• Surface energy is a critical factor influencing the bond strength of dental restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of 10% hydrofluoric acid gel etching on the surface energy of two dental feldspathic ceramics (GC and PVS).
• To compare the work of adhesion (WA) of GC and PVS ceramics before and after etching.

Main Methods:

• Contact angle measurements were used to determine the work of adhesion for 30 samples each of GC and PVS ceramics.
• Surface modifications were performed using 10% hydrofluoric acid gel.

Main Results:

• Polished PVS exhibited higher work of adhesion than polished GC.
• Etching with hydrofluoric acid gel increased the work of adhesion for both ceramics, particularly GC.
• The etching treatment was insufficient to achieve high work of adhesion.

Conclusions:

• Hydrofluoric acid gel etching alone does not sufficiently increase the work of adhesion of these feldspathic ceramics.
• Silanization is a more effective surface treatment than hydrofluoric acid etching for enhancing bond strength in dental ceramics.