Abstract:

Objective　To determine the influence of different surface conditioning methods on bonding strength of low fusing porcelain (La-Porcelain) and titanium.Methods　The surface of the sampleswere sandblasted for 2 minwith 80~250μm Al2O3or coated fortwotimeswith Si-couple agent or conditioned by pre-oxidation. The shear bond strengthwas examined by push- type shear test with a speed of 0·5 mm/min in a universal testing machine. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) were employed to explore the relationship between bonding strength and microstructures, aswell as the element diffusion at the interface between porcelain coating and titanium when heated at 800℃.Results　Bonding strength was not statistically different (P>0·05) after sandblastingwith Al2O3in particle size ranged from 80μm to 250μm. When a Si- couple agent was used, bond of porcelain to titaniumwas significantly lower (P<0·05). The shear bond strength of the porcelain to the pre-oxidized titanium surface remained unchanged after heating (P>0·05). The SEMresults revealed integrity of porcelain and titanium.Conclusion　La-Porcelain showed a small effect of surface coarseness. Sandblastingthe titanium surfacewith 150~ 180μm Al2O3can be recommended as a method for better bonding between La-Porcelain and titanium. The Si-couple agent coating and pre-oxidation of titanium surface is unnecessary.

Key words: pure titanium, dental porcelain, porcelain-titanium interface