Surface energy of etched ceramic

Purpose: In a previous article the authors examined the evolution of the bo nd strengths of 2 dental feldspathic ceramics. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of surface modifications with hydrofluori c acid gel (concentration 10%) on the surface energy of 2 dental feldspathi c ceramics (GC and PVS). Materials and Methods: For an energy characterizat ion, 30 samples of CC and 30 samples of PVS were built. This study comprise d the measurement of contact angles to determine the work of adhesion (W-A) of the 2 ceramics. The evolution of the work of adhesion depended on the a ction of the hydrofluoric acid gel on the roughness of the surface of the 2 ceramics. Results: In a polished state PVS presented a higher work of adhe sion than GC. Etching the ceramics with hydrofluoric acid gel increased the work of adhesion, especially for GC, but this treatment was not sufficient to obtain a high work of adhesion. Conclusion: Etching with hydrofluoric a cid gel was not sufficient to raise the work of adhesion of the 2 ceramics. Silanization is preferable to etching.