Methacrylate bonding to zirconia by in situ silica nanoparticle surface deposition

This study introduces an innovative method to enhance adhesion of methacrylate-based cements to yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) by means of a silica-nanoparticle deposition process.

Two alkoxide organic precursors, tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS) and zirconium tert-butoxide (ZTB) were diluted in hexane at different concentrations in order to obtain several experimental materials to enhance deposition of a SiO(x) reactive layer to Y-TZP. This deposition was attained via sintering alkoxide precursors directly on pre-sintered zirconia (infiltration method—INF) or application on the surface of fully sintered zirconia (coating method—COA). Untreated specimens and a commercial tribochemical silica coating were also tested as controls and all the treated Y-TZP specimens were analyzed using SEM-EDX. Specimens were bonded using silane, adhesive and dual-cure luting cement and submitted to shear bond strength test after different water storage periods (24 h, 3-, 6- and 12-months).

SEM-EDX revealed Y-TZP surface covered by silica nanoclusters. The morphology of silica-covered Y-TZP surfaces was influenced by sintering method, employed to deposit nanoclusters. High bond strength (MPa) was observed when using COA method; highest TEOS percentage achieved the greatest bond strengths to Y-TZP surface (36.7±6.3 at 24 h). However, bonds stability was dependent on ZTB presence (32.9±9.7 at 3 months; 32.3±7.1 at 6 months). Regarding INF method, the highest and more stable resin-zirconia bond strength was attained when using experimental solutions containing TEOS and no ZTB. Both sintering methods tested in this study were able to achieve a bonding performance similar to that of classic tribochemical strategies.

This study demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a reliable and long-lasting bonding between yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic and methacrylate-based cements when using this novel, simple, and cost-effective bonding approach.