Influence of plasma treatment on surface properties of zirconia

Abstract

We investigated the influence of atmospheric­pressure low­temperature plasma treatment on the surface properties of zirconia. After polishing zirconia sections up to #800 with a waterproof abrasive paper, ultrasonic cleaning was performed in acetone and distilled water. Surface treatment was conducted in three groups : non­treated (control), alumina sandblast­treated (Sb), and atmospheric­pressure low­temperature plasma­treated (Ps) groups. The surface properties were examined for surface roughness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) properties, contact angle, and X­ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) properties. No changes in the surface roughness and SEM observations were noted for Ps. Wet­tability was enhanced by Sb and Ps with respect to the contact angle. Ps showed the lowest contact angle. XPS analysis revealed that Ps remarkably reduced the amount of carbon, allowing removal of contaminants. Atmospheric­pressure low­temperature plasma treatment enables the removal of carbon derived from organic contaminants and improves wettability without increasing the surface roughness of the sample. Therefore,it can be considered a new pre­adhesion treatment method in clinical dental practice. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2016 ;50 : 79­-84)