Effect of ceramic surface treatments on the bond strength of different composite resins

This study was aimed to observe the relationship between the different surface treatments and the bond strength of both composite based adhesive cement and zirconia ceramic. Thirty-two zirconia ceramic discs were fabricated by following the instructions of manufacturer (5 × 5 × 1.5 mm). Four subgroups were obtained from the specimens according to the specified surface treatments respectively: (a) C: control groups: no treatment; (b) SB: sandblasting with 125 μm aluminum oxide particles for 10 s; (c) SC: silica coating for 10 s; (d) Nd :YAG laser . The composite resin specimens Panavia F and Clearfil SA were introduced and polymerized to the treated bonding areas. Afterwards the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 °C during 24 h, and the shear test was applied. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan tests. The bond strength was stated significantly higher in silica coating/Panavia F group (23.35 MPa). The lowest bond strength was stated in control groups cemented with Clearfil SA (12.25 MPa). As a result it was determined that the bond strength has affected the both surface treatments and cement types (p < 0.001). The silica coating –treated zirconia ceramic recorded a significant increase in mean bond strength values.     

The effect of different bonding protocols on the repair microshear bond strength of water-stored CAD/CAM resin composite

This study evaluated the repair microshear bond strength (μSBS) of water stored CAD/CAM resin composite under eight different surface treatments using a silane-containing universal adhesive in etch-and-rinse and self-etching modes. In total, 48 CAD/CAM resin composite slices were prepared from Lava Ultimate CAD/CAM blocks and stored in water for 6 months. The slices were assigned into 8 main groups, according to surface treatments (no treatment, no-treatment/silane, surface grinding, surface grinding/silane, sandblasting, sandblasting/silane, silica coating and silica coating/silane). Each main group was divided according to the universal adhesive application mode (either the etch-and-rinse mode or the self-etch mode). Each slice received 6 resin composite micro-cylinders (0.8 × 1 mm). Micro-shear bond strength was run at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed until failure. Treated surfaces were examined using SEM. Bond strength data were statistically analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA/Tukey HSD post hoc test. Only ‘surface treatment’ significantly affected the repair μSBS (p ? 0.001). Parameters ‘Adhesive application mode’ and ‘surface treatment × adhesive mode’ showed no significant effect on μSBS (p = 0.458 and p = 0.286 respectively). Regardless of the adhesive application mode, silica coating showed the highest μSBS (21.6 ± 6.8 MPa), while sandblasting/silane showed the lowest μSBS (13.0 ± 6.1 MPa). Regardless of adhesive application mode, the use of silica coating to treat the water-stored CAD/CAM resin composite surfaces is crucial to improve the repair bond strength.     

Pressable Glass Ceramic as a Repair Material for Fractures in Metal-Ceramic Restorations

Porcelain repair of fractured metal-ceramic restorations is a common challenge in the dental field. The current study introduces a novel technique for intraoral repair of porcelain fracture utilizing pressable glass ceramic (GC) as the repair material. The shear bond strength (SBS) of GC to different components of the metal-ceramic restoration (metal, porcelain, and metal-porcelain combination) under different surface treatments was also evaluated. The SBS was tested under the following five surface treatments: control, sandblasted with silica, sandblasted with silica then glow-discharge-treated, sandblasted with alumina, and sandblasted with alumina then etched with hydrofluoric acid. A self-adhesive resin cement and silane were used for bonding. Surface roughness was evaluated before and after each treatment. One-way ANOVA and post-hock Tukey's tests were used for data analysis. The results showed that SBS of GC to all surface-treated substrata ranging from 37 to 55 MPa was significantly higher than that of untreated surfaces ranging from 10 to 26 MPa. For all bonded surfaces, blasting with silica showed higher bond strength than blasting with alumina. On the contrary, alumina groups showed higher surface roughness than silica groups. Pressable glass ceramic in conjunction with all tested surface treatments, especially silica blasting, can be used successfully for fractured porcelain repair.     

Efficacy of uncommon surface treatment methods on titanium in order to improve bond strengths for adhesive cementation

The aim of this study is to comparison of effects of uncommon surface treatments, especially new alternatives on the adhesive strength between resin and titanium surfaces. Fifty-five titanium disks were prepared and they were separated into 5 groups as follows: (1) Control group; (2) Tribochemical treatment group in the laboratory; (3) Tribochemical treatment group in the clinic; (4) Acid etch group; and (5) Nd:YAG Laser-irradiated group. Surface roughness of the specimens was measured using a profilometer, and the topographic patterns were observed by scanning electron microscope. After these tests, resin cement was applied to the titanium samples. Shear bond test was performed via a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. In addition, the correlation between the surface roughness and bond strength was checked using Spearman correlation test (0.01 level). The highest surface roughness value was observed for the acid etch group (1.53 μm). The highest mean shear bond strength was recorded with the tribochemical procedure group in the laboratory (13.74 MPa) and the lowest with the control group (3.69 MPa). A positive correlation was found between the bond strength and surface roughness for all groups. All of the surface treatment methods that were used in present study increased the bond strength between resin and titanium except for the laser group.     

Adhesion of cast metal alloy and lithium disilicate copings luted to different core build-up materials with self-adhesive resin cement

This study evaluated the shear bond strength of two coping materials (non-nickel chrome-based cast alloy and lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS Empress) to four different core foundation materials (resin composite, cast metal alloy, lithium disilicate, and dentin), luted with adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem). Specimens (N = 56) were fabricated and divided into eight groups (n = 7 per group). Each coping material was luted with self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem) to the core materials. Bond strength was measured in a Universal Testing Machine (0.5 mm/min). Data were statistically analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s HSD tests (alpha = 0.05). Both core (p = 0.000) and coping material type (p = 0.000) significantly affected the mean bond strength (MPa) values. Interaction terms were also significant (p = 0.001). The highest bond strength results were obtained when lithium disilicate was bonded to lithium disilicate (21.48) with the resin cement tested. Lithium disilicate in general presented the highest bond results when bonded to all core materials tested (16.55–21.38) except dentin (3.56). Both cast alloy (2.9) and lithium disilicate (3.56) presented the lowest bond results on dentin followed by cast-alloy-cast alloy combination (3.82).     

Effects of surface treatments on the shear bond strength of luting cements to zirconia

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface treatments on the shear bond strength of resin cements to zirconia. Material and methods: Sintered zirconia specimens (n = 192) were divided into four different surface treatment groups: control (no treatment); airborne-particle abrasion; glaze layer and hydrofluoric acid (HF) application, and hot etching solution application. Then, each group was divided into four subgroups (n = 12), and three different resin cements were applied to the zirconia surfaces. The shear bond strength value of each specimen was measured after 5000 thermo cycles. The failure types were examined with a stereomicroscope and the effects of the surface treatments were evaluated with a scanning electron microscope. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results: The surface treatment and resin cement type significantly affected the bond strength results (p < 0.05). For all resin cements, the airborne-particle abrasion treatment increased the shear bond strength values (p < 0.05). The glaze layer & HF application increased shear bond strength values for all groups, except the Single Bond Universal-RelyX Unicem Aplicap group (p < 0.05). The surface roughness values of airborne-particle abraded specimens were similar to comparable values for specimens from the control group and the hot etching solution group (p > 0.05). The glaze layer & HF application group produced the highest surface roughness values (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study recommend using the appropriate combination of surface treatment and adhesive/silane coupling agent to achieve durable zirconia-resin bonding.     

Effect of self-etching ceramic primer on the bond strength of feldspathic porcelain repair

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a self-etching primer on the bond strength of feldspathic porcelain with composite resin. Forty-eight feldspathic porcelain specimens (13 mm × 13 mm × 2 mm) were sectioned from CAD/CAM blocks. Specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 12) as regards to surface treatment method; HF acid etching (HFE), Monobond Etch and Prime (MEP), sandblasting (SB), and MEP + SB. After silane application for group HFE and SB, an adhesive bond was used as a bonding agent in all groups. Composite resin cylinders were build up onto the specimens. Specimens were stored in distilled water, thermocycled 5–55 °C for 5500 cycles, and subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) test in a universal testing machine. Data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U test (α=.05). Type of failures was evaluated under optical microscopy and surfaces were examined by SEM at ×500 and ×2500 magnifications. There was a significant difference among groups. (p = .019) HF group had the highest mean SBS value (17.54 ± 2.98 MPa) which was significantly higher than other groups (p<.05). Followed by the MEP + SB group (14.68 ± 3.41 MPa), SB group (13.98 ± 3.34 MPa) and MEP group (12.75 ± 2.33 MPa). Nevertheless, the HFE group significantly has higher SBS value than other groups all of the tested surface treatment methods have reached the convenient bond strength values for repair. Although MEP showed clinically acceptable SBS values, further researches with another type of porcelains should be tested.     

Bond strengths of bulk-fill resin composite repairs: effect of different surface treatment protocols in vitro

To evaluate the effect of different surface treatment protocols on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of bulk-fill resin composite repairs. Thirty-five bulk-fill resin composite samples (Filtek Bulk Fill) were prepared (5 × 5 × 5 mm) and aged by thermocycling (X5000). Samples were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7): a control (no treatment) and four surface treatment groups (Single Bond Universal [SBU]; phosphoric acid (37%) + SBU; Er,Cr:YSGG laser + SBU; aluminum oxide sandblasting + SBU). Filtek Ultimate Universal composite was used as a repair material. After storage for 24 h in distilled water (37 °C), sticks were obtained and subjected to a μTBS test. The data (MPa) were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with a post hoc test (α = 0.05). Failure mode was evaluated using a light microscope (10×). There were significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). The lowest bond strength values were obtained in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between Group II (universal adhesive) and Group III (acid etch + universal adhesive) (p > 0.05). The bond strength of Group II was significantly lower than that of the other surface treatment groups (p < 0.05). While Group III showed significantly lower values than those of the laser treatment group (Group IV), similar values were obtained with Al₂O₃ sandblasting group (Group V). The highest repair bond strength was obtained in Group IV (p < 0.05) which was not significantly different from the Al₂O₃ sandblasting group (p > 0.05). The predominant failure mode was adhesive. Treatment of aged bulk-fill resin composite surfaces with laser and Al₂O₃ sandblasting provided higher repair bond strength values.     

The bonding effect of adhesive systems and bulk-fill composites to sound and caries-affected dentine

Purpose: To investigate the influence of adhesive type and increment thickness on shear bond strength of flowable bulk-fill resin composites compared with a flowable conventional resin composite, in both sound and caries-affected dentine.

Methods: Shear bond strength was tested in 100 extracted human molars with coronal dentine caries. Half of the teeth were restored with Adper? Easy Bond and the other half with Adper? Single Bond Plus. Bonded surfaces were restored with Filtek? Ultimate Flow and two bulk-fill composites (SDR and X-tra base) (n = 10 teeth for each subgroup). Restorations of 4 mm were performed with incremental or bulk-fill technique. The shear bond was determined and statistically analysed using three-way ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparison post hoc tests (p ≤ 0.05). Dentine–resin interfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.

Results: For both adhesives, the highest shear bond strength values were obtained for sound dentine. In sound dentine, the highest bond strength observed with Easy Bond when used in 2-mm increments of SDR. In caries-affected dentine, Single Bond in combination with SDR displayed significantly lower bond strength.

Conclusion: There was no significant difference in shear bond strength between the incremental and bulk-fill groups for molars with sound dentine when the etch-and-rinse adhesive system was used; however, for the self-etch adhesive system, incremental application caused higher bond strength than bulk application.     

Influence of post-etch cleaning and silane heat treatment on resin bond strength to silica-based leucite: an in vitro study

Adhesive cementation of bonded all-ceramic restorations is critical for their long-term clinical performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of post-etch cleaning (PEC) and silane heat treatment on the micro-tensile bond strength of silica-based leucite (SBLE) ceramic when bonded to composite resin. Twenty-four blocks of SBLE ceramic (HeraCeram Press®, Heraeus Kulzer GmbH Grüner Weg 11 63450 Hanau) were fabricated and bonding surfaces were etched using 9.5% hydrofluoric acid. Six experimental groups were made from the various surface treatment combinations including: PEC (37.5% phosphoric acid for 1 min, rinsed with water for 20 s and ultrasonic bath immersion), silane application and silane heat treatment (100 °C for 5 min). An adhesive resin and a light-cured restorative composite were used to bond the ceramic and composite resin blocks under standard conditions. Three hundred and sixty specimen sticks (8 × 1 mm²) were subjected to micro-tensile testing. The means of the micro-tensile bond strength (μ-TBS) were analysed with ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test. The specimens tested were assessed for mode of failure using scanning electron microscopy. The highest μ-TBS value (38.25 ± 3.40 MPa) of the specimen was achieved by PEC and heated silane. PEC and silane application showed statistically significant improvements in the μ-TBS (p < 0.01). The mean maximum difference was due to PEC (18.91 ± 3.70 MPa). In the surface treatment of SBLE ceramics, PEC had the most significant factor which affected the μ-TBS of resin composite.     

Bond Strength and Interfacial Ultramorphology of Current Adhesive Systems

This study evaluated the bond strength and ultramorphology of the resin-dentin interfaces produced by current dental adhesive systems. Nine dentin bonding agents were investigated. Restored teeth were vertically, serially sectioned to obtain bonded slices for interfacial TEM analysis or to produce bonded beams for the microtensile bond strength test. The one-step self-etching adhesives (Futurabond® NR and Hybrid Bond®) showed lower bond strength values than the three-step etch-&-rinse adhesive system All-Bond 3. Most bonding agents presented statistically similar mean bond strength values, which ranged from 41.3 ± 17.9 to 35.0 ± 5.3 MPa. The thickness of the hybrid layer varied according to the type of adhesive system used. While the etch and rinse adhesives with alcohol as organic solvent showed bond strength means higher than 40 MPa, the self-etching systems showed bond strength lower than 40 MPa. Resin-dentin interdifusion zone and resin tags were noted in all bonded interfaces.     

Effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength of resin cement to zirconia ceramic and metal alloy*

The bonding of resin cement to ceramic materials plays an important role in dentistry. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of various surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of zirconia ceramic and metal alloy. A total of 60 specimens were prepared from Y-TZP ceramic and metal alloy. The specimens were divided into three subgroups (n = 10) that received different surface treatments for each material. An Er:YAG laser (ER), a femtosecond laser (FS), and air-borne particle abrasion (A) were employed as surface treatments. One specimen from each group was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 500 x magnification after surface treatments. The self-adhesive resin cement was then bonded to the treated surfaces using a Teflon mold. The specimens were thermocycled for 5,000 cycles at 5–55 °C, and then the SBS test was performed. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to determine the differences between the groups (p = 0.05), and failure modes were evaluated for each specimen. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the surface treatment methods. The mean SBS values of the air-borne particle-abraded groups were higher than those of the other groups. The femtosecond-irradiated groups of each material showed significantly higher SBS values than the Er:YAG-irradiated groups (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, air-borne particle abrasion and the femtosecond laser were more effective than Er:YAG laser treatment.     

Effect of self etching ceramic primer and universal adhesive on bond strength of lithium disilicate ceramic

The clinical success of ceramic restorations is affected by the ceramic bonding procedure. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments, including the use of self-etching ceramic primer (SECP), on resin cement-glass ceramic bond strength. Thirty lithium disilicate ceramic (LDC) rectangles (3 mm × 3 mm × 8 mm) were fabricated Specimens were randomly assigned into three experimental groups (n = 10) according to the surface treatment: Group 1-hydrofluoric acid [HF acid]+ silane + universal adhesive; Group 2-HF + universal adhesive; Group 3-SECP + universal adhesive. All specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37 °C and shear bond strength (SBS) was tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm (Universal Testing machine-Instron). Failure modes were evaluated using a digital microscope for all specimens. Analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc tests using SPSS (Version 22.0, IBM, New York, USA) were used to analyze data. The SBS of groups 1 (19.74 ± 1.28 MPa) and 3 (21.11 ± 2.07 MPa) were significant higher than group 2 (14.80 ± 1.94 MPa). The SBS values for specimens in groups 1 (19.74 ± 1.28 MPa) and 3 (21.11 ± 2.07 MPa) were comparable. Adhesive, mixed and cohesive failure modes were observed and mixed failure was the most common in all groups. Therefore, the use of SECP and universal adhesive is recommended as an alternative to the use of HF acid in combination with ceramic primer while bonding to LDC.     

Bond strength of repaired composite resins: surface treatments,adhesive systems,and composite type

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of three different surface treatments and two different adhesives on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of repaired composites using the same or different type of resin. Twenty-four nano-hybrid (Ceram X mono-C) and 24 nanofilled (Filtek Ultimate-F) composite discs were prepared. The specimens were aged with 5000 thermocycles and randomly divided into groups according to the surface treatment methods: (a) phosphoric acid (b) Er:YAG laser and (c) aluminum trioxide particle (air abrasion). Fresh composite resins (C and F) were added to the treated surfaces with two different adhesives (two-step and one-step self-etch adhesives). Then, the specimens were aged again. The stick-shaped specimens were prepared from the discs (n = 25) and the sticks were subjected to the μTBS test. Results indicated that significant differences were found in μTBS values among the surface treatment methods. In the C groups, the highest μTBS value (41.3 ± 8.3 MPa) was recorded in the air abrasion and one-step self-etch adhesive group, which were repaired with the same kind of composite. In the F groups, the highest μTBS value was observed in the air abrasion and one-step self-etch adhesive (37.6 ± 12.3 MPa) group. The treatment with air abrasion is more effective than the others, and it may be suggested for composite repair.     

Adhesive bond strength and compressive strength of a novel bulk fill composite with zirconia nano-hybrid filler

The aim of the study was to investigate the adhesive bond and compressive strength of novel bulk fill resin composite with zirconia (Zr) nano-hybrid filler. Sixty molars were mounted in acrylic resin with flat occlusal surface. Half of the specimen (n = 30) were bonded using total etch (TE) and the other half with self-etch (SE) technique. Specimens treated with SE (n = 30) and TE (n = 30) bonding protocol were divided into three groups, based on the type of bulk fill build-up materials (ZC–ZirconCore, MC–MulticCore Flow and LC–Luxacore Dual), resulting in six study groups [MC-TE, MC-SE, LC-TE, LC-SE, ZC-TE, ZC-SE]. Cylindrical (3 × 3 mm) build-ups were performed followed by shear bond strength testing (crosshead speed-1 mm/min). Ten specimens for each bulk fill build-up material (MC, LC and ZC) were prepared for compressive strength testing. All specimens were tested for maximum failure loads (crosshead speed?0.5 cm/min). Analysis of variance and paired t-test were performed to statistically analyze the data. TE technique showed significantly higher bond strength values as compared to SE technique (p < 0.001) for all three materials (MC, LC and ZC). Shear bond strength for MC [TE,17.88(2.00)-SE,9.43(0.98)] and LC [TE,18.91(2.57)-SE,6.35(1.12)] groups were significantly higher than ZC group [TE,13.99(1.09)-SE,4.61(0.84)]. Specimens in ZC group (266.73 ± 9.76) showed significantly higher compressive strength in comparison to MC (247.66 ± 9.72) (p = 0.004) and LC (249.87 ± 13.17) (p < 0.001) groups. Zirconia nano-hybrid filler resin bulk fill material has comparatively high compressive strength and low bond strength making them suitable for clinical applications in the posterior region with favorable conditions for adhesive bonding.     

Effect of experimental primers on hydrolytic stability of resin zirconia bonding

This study assessed the effect of experimental silane primers and two adhesive resin cements on resin zirconia adhesion strength. The surfaces of cut Y-TZP zirconia blocks (Lava? Frame), 16 mm × 16 mm × 4.5 mm, were pretreated twice. First, they were grit-blasted with Korox? alumina powder (110 μm) followed by silica-coating with Rocatec? Soft. Next, the blocks were randomly assigned into eighteen sub-groups (n = 6, N = 108) according to three primers (control ESPE Sil?, 1.0 vol.-% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and 1.0 vol.-% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane + 0.5 vol.-% bis-12-(triethoxysilyl)ethane), two in dentistry used resin cement products (Multilink? Speed, and Multilink? N), and three storage conditions (24 h dry, 1 month immersed in distilled water, and 6 months immersed in distilled water at room temperature) used. Onto each pretreated zirconia block, four cylindrical resin composite cement stubs were prepared and light-cured. The surface roughness, contact angle, and adhesion (shear bond) strength (SBS) were measured, and statistically analyzed (ANOVA, the Tukey’s test, p < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed in surface roughness values of different primer-treated zirconia groups. After six months of water aging, the shear bond strength of the groups that employed 1.0 vol.-% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (9.0 MPa ± 0.8 MPa), and the blend of 1 vol.-% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane + 0.5 vol.-% bis-12-(triethoxysilyl)ethane (8.9 MPa ± 2.0 MPa) with Multilink? Speed resin composite cement were statistically insignificantly higher compared to using ESPE Sil? (8.7 MPa ± 1.8 MPa). The experimental primers may have potential to be used for long-term resin zirconia adhesion.     

Which is effective on bond strength of resin-based sealers: incorporation of powdered dentin to primer or adhesive?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding powdered dentin to primer or adhesive in a self-etch system on the shear bond strength of three resin-based sealers. Seventy-two premolars were sectioned buccolingually, and 144 root halves were divided into three groups according to the sealer used: epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus), methacrylate resin-based (RealSeal, Hybrid Root SEAL) n = 48. The surfaces were irrigated with 5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, distilled water for 5 min. Four subgroups were created (n = 12): control group; Clearfil Liner Bond 2 V treated group; powdered dentin added to the primer of Clearfil Liner Bond 2 V (40 wt.%); and powdered dentin added to the adhesive of Clearfil Liner Bond 2 V (20 wt.%). Dentin powder was prepared. Three mm high buildups with a constant surface area of 3.45 mm² were created using the sealers and allowed to set (37 ºC, 100% humid, 72 h). The samples were tested to failure for shear bond strength (1 mm/min). The data were calculated (MPa) and analyzed using two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD tests. Adhesive use decreased the bonding performance of AH Plus (p = 0.00). Mean bond strength of the other sealers was found similar to control. Primer or adhesive resin with powdered dentin did not increase the adhesive performance of the self-etch system used. The shear bond strength of RealSeal was significantly increased when powdered dentin was added to primer or adhesive (p = 0.00). The effect of adding powdered-dentine to primer or adhesive in a self-etch system on the shear bond strength was sealer-dependent .     

Influence of adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the adhesive strength of composite epoxy/sol–gel materials

The tensile shear strength of a composite epoxy/sol–gel system modified with different ratios of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was evaluated using a mechanical testing machine. The experimental results showed that the shear strength increased when lower than ~0.07 wt% of MWCNTs were added in the composite solution. The increase of the shear strength was attributed to both the mechanical load transfer from the matrix to the MWCNTs and the high specific surface area of this material that increased the degree of crosslinking with other inorganic fillers in the formulation. However, a decrease in the adhesive shear strength was observed after more than ~0.07 wt% MWCNTs were added to the composite. The reason for this may be related to the high concentration of MWCNTs within the matrix leading to excessively high viscosity, dewetting of the substrate surfaces, and reduced bonding of MWCNTs with the matrix, thereby limiting the strength. SEM observation of the fracture surfaces for composite epoxy/sol–gel adhesive materials with 0.01 wt% MWCNTs showed a mixed interfacial/cohesive fracture mode. This fracture mode indicated strong links at the adhesive/substrate interface, and interaction between CNTs and the matrix was achieved; therefore, adhesion performance of the composite epoxy/sol–gel material to the substrate was improved. An increase of a strong peak related to the C–O bond at ~1733 cm^?1 in the FTIR spectra was observed. This peak represented crosslinking between the CNT surface and the organosilica nanoparticles in the MWCNTs-doped composite adhesive. Raman spectroscopy was also used to identify MWCNTs within the adhesive material. The Raman spectra exhibit peaks at ~1275 cm^?1 and in the range of ~1549–1590 cm^?1. The former is the graphite G-band, while the latter is the diamond D-band. The D-band and G-band represent the C–C single bond and C=C double bond in carbon nanotubes, respectively.     

Effect of surface conditioning methods on the microtensile bond strength of repair composite to indirect restorative materials

This study evaluated the effect of surface conditioning methods on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of a restorative composite to indirect restorative materials. Blocks (5?×?5 × 4?mm³) (N?=?72) of (a) Zirconia (In-Ceram Zirconia, Vita) (ZR), (b) lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS Empress II, Ivoclar Vivadent) (LD), (c) Indirect resin composite (Gradia, GC) (GR) were fabricated (n?=?24 per group) and divided randomly into three groups: 1-Control: no conditioning, 2-Silane coupling agent, 3-Hydrofluoric acid (9.5%) (HF)+silane. Each block was duplicated in resin composite. The adhesion surfaces were conditioned with airborne-particle abrasion (110?µm Al₂O₃ particles). Half of the conditioned blocks received no bonding and the other half one coat of bonding (ED Primer II, Kuraray). Each conditioned block was bonded to a composite block with a resin luting agent (Panavia F2.0, Kuraray). The blocks were sectioned into 1?mm² microsticks and tested for microtensile bond strength (µTBS) (0.5?mm/min) in a μTBS testing machine. Failure types were evaluated under stereomicroscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA, Bonferroni corrected and independent sample t-tests (p?<?0.05). Significant effect of the bonding (p?<?0.001) and surface conditioning (p?<?0.001) were observed in all groups. The highest mean bond strength values were obtained in the bonded, HF etched and silanized groups of ZR, LD and GR (12.4?±?2.9, 28.1?±?1.5 and 27.2?±?2?MPa, respectively). HF acid?+?silane increased the repair bond values in all materials. Majority of the failure types were adhesive for ZR group, whereas HF?+?silane conditioned LD and GR groups presented predominantly cohesive failures in the cement.     

The effects of universal adhesive and innovative fabrication techniques of metal-ceramic restorations on repair strength of porcelain fracture with metal exposure

This study was to evaluate the effects of universal adhesive and innovative fabrication techniques of Cobalt-Chromium (Co-Cr) alloys on shear bond strength (SBS) between the repair material. One hundred forty-four Co-Cr alloys specimens were fabricated by casting (C), milling (M), direct process powder-bed method (CL), and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) (EL). Each group was then divided randomly into three groups, according to the chemical agent used: alloy primer (Z), universal adhesive (A), or both (AZ). The composite resin cylinders were built on metal specimens. SBSs were determined after water storage and thermocycling, and data were statistically analyzed. The method used for the fabrication of Co-Cr alloy had a significant effect on bond strength (p?=?0.016). AZ (12.077?±?0.575?MPa) groups showed highest SBS values. Co-Cr alloys fabricated with DMLS method have a superior repair capacity. The universal adhesive increased the repair strength when applied with an alloy primer.