EVALUATION OF A POTENTIAL DENTAL APPLICATION OF VAPOR-DEPOSITION TECHNIQUES FOR COATING ALUMINA WITH TIN OXIDE

Coatings of tin oxide have been deposited onto alumina using both phys ical vapour deposition (PVD) and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) tech niques. Significant increases in bond strength were determined for cer tain of the PVD groups of samples. The PVD coatings proved amenable to colour modification by post-deposition oxidation. Sectioned coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray maps were prod uced which indicated the distribution of tin. This study supports earl ier findings indicating the potential of such coatings for improved bo nding of dental restorations.