ESCA study on dental alloy surfaces modified by Ga-Sn alloy

A new, simple surface modification method for adherend metals has been developed. It gives high bond strength and superior water durability to dental precious-metal alloys bonded with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin. However, there was no effect on the bonding of Ag-In-Zn alloy and base-metal alloys. In the present study, the alloy surfaces modified by the new method were analyzed by ESCA and SEM for determination of details of the modification effect. A new alloying layer containing Ga and Sn was formed on the precious-metal alloys. The main factor for excellent adhesion to be achieved was the formation of a very thin layer of Ga2O3 and SnO2, less than 1-2nm thick, on the alloy surface. A thicker modified layer, as formed on the Ag-In-Zn and Ni-Cr alloys, led to low bonding ability.