Effect of oxidation on ceramometal bond strength

The ceramometal bond strength between SMG-3 gold alloy and Ceramco porcelain was evaluated using seven different oxidation cycles. The control group was not oxidized. Three groups were oxidized under vacuum at a temperature of 1,925 degrees F. The metal was heated (1) just until it reached temperature, (2) for 5 minutes, and (3) for 10 minutes. The last three groups were oxidized without a vacuum, with the time-temperature heat regimen the same as for the previous three groups. The group using an oxidation cycle without a vacuum and a temperature of 1,925 degrees F for 10 minutes was the only group that statistically differed from the control group.