Effect of titanium preoxidation on wrought pure titanium to ceramic bond strength.

Statement Of Problem: The creation of high bond strength between machined computer-manufactured pure titanium and porcelain remains a problem. However, machined titanium does not form the thick titanium oxide film found in cast titanium.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different preoxidation treatments on the bond strength of a machined pure titanium ceramic system.

Material And Methods: Specimens of commercially pure titanium (25 × 3 × 0.5 mm) were divided equally into 6 groups (n=8), which received different preoxidation treatments (3 hour natural oxidation; 600°C, 650°C, 700°C, 750°C, and 800°C for 3 minutes). Bond strengths were evaluated by using a 3-point bend test. The results were analyzed by using 1-way ANOVA and the least significant difference test. Twelve additional specimens of commercially pure titanium (15 × 3 × 0.5 mm) were cut for interface observation and divided equally into 6 groups that received the preoxidation treatments described previously. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrum were used to observe microscopic features of the interface between Ti and ceramic.

Results: The bond strength values of the 6 groups ranged from 23.72 ±2.53 MPa to 36.99 ±3.92 MPa, with significant differences (P<.05). The specimen that received 750°C preoxidation had the highest bond strength. The main interface elements of the 6 groups were O, Si, Ti, Sn, Al, Na, and K. Ti showed a sigmoidal diffusion curve in each group, and Si showed a sigmoidal diffusion curve in most groups. Sn was enriched in each group's interface.

Conclusions: Preoxidation under vacuum before porcelain firing can effectively improve the bond strength of machined pure titanium-porcelain systems.