Changes in mineral fraction and pore morphology of coal with acidification treatment: contribution of clay minerals to methane adsorption.

The accurate calculation of the contribution which provided by clay minerals in coal on methane adsorption not only bares a significant importance for evaluating the effectiveness of acid stimulation in improving permeability and estimating the coalbed methane reserves but also serves a guide for the governance and utilization of methane resources. In this study, hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) were used to remove specific minerals in Qingdong coal samples. We firstly analyzed the mineral compositions of coal samples with different acidification treatments based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments, together with analysis of the changes in pore morphology and adsorption capacity. The results showed that acidification did not significantly change the shape of the pores, which remained slit-/plate-like pore. However, the altered adsorption capacity of the coal samples was attributed to changes in pore structure and mineral distribution. Acid erosion of mesopores promoted the transition from mesopores to macropores, contributing to an increase of 8.4% and 24.36% in the percentage of macropores in coal samples treated with HCl and HF, respectively. Fractal dimension D1 grew from 2.2193 to 2.3888 and 2.2572, respectively, but D2 decreased from 2.6146 to 2.5814 and 2.5433, indicating an increment in pore surface roughness and a simplification of the pore structure. The mineral richness of the coal seams should be taken into consideration when applying acid stimulation to increase permeability due to that the acidification products may block the passage of gas migration when the mineral content is slight, which can hinder gas extraction. The aim of this study is to quantitatively determine the contribution rate of clay minerals in coal to methane adsorption with a calculation method is provided by combining pore parameters and limit adsorption capacity, resulting in a contribution rate of 15%.

The loss of resin cement adhesion to ceramic influences the fatigue behavior of bonded lithium disilicate restorations.

When partial and/or non-retentive preparation, such as those for occlusal veneers, is indicated, a proper and stable adhesion is essential. Therefore, the aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of loss of adhesion in different regions of the bonding interface on the fatigue behavior of simplified lithium disilicate restorations. For this, lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) discs (1 mm thick and Ø = 10 mm) were fabricated, polished with #400-, #600-, #1200-grit silicon carbide (SiC) papers, and crystallized. As substrate, fiber-reinforced resin epoxy discs (2.5 mm thick and Ø = 10 mm) were fabricated and polished with #600-grit SiC paper. The ceramic bonding surface was treated with 5% hydrofluoric acid and a silane-containing primer (Monobond N), while the substrate was etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid followed by the application of the bonding system primers (Primer A + B). A lacquer (nail polish) was used to simulate the loss of adhesion in specific areas according to the study design to compose the testing groups: bonded (control; did not received nail polish application); - non-bonded (loss of adhesion in the whole specimen area); - margin (loss of adhesion in the ceramic margin); - center (loss of adhesion in the ceramic central area). The adhesive area of partially bonded groups was 50% of the adhesive surface. Then, the discs (n = 12) were bonded to the respective substrate using a resin cement (Multilink N), light-cured, water-stored for 90 days, and subjected to thermocycling (25,000 cycles, 5° to 55 °C) before testing. A cyclic fatigue test was run (20 Hz, initial load of 200 N for 5000 cycles, 50 N step size for 10,000 cycles each until specimen failure), and the fatigue failure load and number of cycles for failure were recorded. As complementary analysis, finite element analysis (FEA) and scanning electron microscopy analysis were performed. Kaplan-Meier log-rank (Mantel-Cox) was conducted for survival analysis. The results showed that as the loss of adhesion reaches the central area, the worse is the fatigue behavior and the higher is the stress peak concentration in the ceramic bonding surface. The bonded specimens presented better fatigue behavior and stress distribution compared to the others. In conclusion in a non-retentive preparation situation, proper adhesion is a must for the restoration fatigue behavior even after aging; while the loss of adhesion reaches central areas the mechanical functioning is compromised.

Hybrid ceramic repair strength, surface roughness, and bond failure, using methylene blue-activated low-level laser therapy, Carbon dioxide, and Ti: Al2O3 laser.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of various pretreatment regimes (LLLT, Ti-sapphire laser, CO2, and HFA-S) on hybrid ceramics, specifically focusing on their ability to enhance repair strength and minimize surface roughness (Ra). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Discs were made from hybrid ceramics and after disinfection were randomly divided into four groups based on different surface conditioning techniques. Each group consisted of 15 discs, resulting in a total sample size of 60. dics in group 1 was surface treated with Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using methylene blue (MB), Discs in group 2 with Ti-sapphire laser, Discs in group 3 with CO2 laser, and discs in group 4 with HFA-S. Five samples from each group were assessed for Ra. The remaining 10 samples from each group underwent repair using a porcelain repair kit in adherence to the planned instructions. The bond strength of each sample in all groups was measured using a universal testing machine. Following the bond strength testing, the specimens from all study groups were analyzed to determine the mode of failure. To evaluate the data, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, followed by post hoc multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The highest repair bond strength was observed in group 4 hybrid ceramics pretreated with HFA-S (19.05±0.79 MPa). The lowest repair bond scores were observed in group 1 hybrid ceramics preconditioned with LLLT in the presence of Photosensitizer (13.41±0.36 MPa). The highest Ra scores were exhibited in group 2 surface treated with Ti-sapphire laser (0.0515±0.16 µm) and the lowest Ra scores were observed in Group 4 HFA-S (0.0311±0.79 µm). Predominant bond failure among different investigated groups was cohesive. CONCLUSION: The current gold standard for hybrid ceramic conditioning is the use of hydrofluoric acid (HFA) combined with a silane coupling agent. Low-level laser therapy with methylene blue photosensitizer is not recommended for the treatment of hybrid ceramics.

Decontamination of lithium disilicate ceramics using various photosensitizers, herbal and chemical disinfectants, and the effect of surface conditioners on bond strength values.

AIM: To assess and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of disinfectants on lithium disilicate ceramic (LDC) used in dental applications and shear bond strength (SBS) of LDC after using different conditioners hydrofluoric acid (HF), self-etching ceramic primers (SECP) and Neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd: YVO4). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty LDC discs were fabricated by auto-polymerizing acrylic resin using the lost wax technique. S. aureus, S. mutans, and C. albican were inoculated on thirty discs (n = 30 each). Each group was further divided into three subgroups based on different disinfecting agents used (n = 30) Group 1: Garlic extract, Group 2: Rose Bengal (RB) activated by PDT, and Group 3: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). An assessment of the survival rate of microorganisms was performed. The remaining thirty samples were surface treated using three different LDC surface conditioners (n = 10) Group 1: HF + Silane (S), group 2: SECP, and Group 3: Nd: YVO4 laser+S. SBS and failure mode analysis were performed using a universal testing machine and stereomicroscope at 40x magnification, The statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: Garlic extract, RB, and 2% NaOCl sample displayed comparable outcomes of antimicrobial potency against C. albicans, S aureus, and S. mutans (p > 0.05). Furthermore, SBS analysis showed HF+S, SECP, and Nd: YVO4+S exhibited comparable outcomes of bond strength (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Garlic extract and Rose bengal activated by PDT can be contemplated as alternatives to the chemical agent NaOCl used for LDC disinfection. Similarly, SECP and Nd: YVO4 possess the potential to be used for the surface conditioning of LDC to improve the bond integrity with resin cement.

Which surface treatment promotes higher bond strength for the repair of resin nanoceramics and polymer-infiltrated ceramics? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Which surface treatment provides the optimal bond strength (BS) for the repair of resin nanoceramics (RNCs) and polymer-infiltrated ceramics (PICs) is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to determine the best surface treatment protocols for the repair of PICs and RNCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched to select in vitro studies in English up to March 2020. Studies with fewer than 5 specimens, those that did not evaluate the BS of PICs or RNCs, and those with aging for fewer than 30 days and 5000 cycles were excluded. Data sets were extracted, and the mean differences were analyzed by using a systematic review software program. RESULTS: Among 284 potentially eligible studies, 21 were selected for full-text analysis, and 9 were included in the systematic review, of which 6 were used in the meta-analysis. The meta-analyses were performed for each treatment surface versus their respective control group and their combinations according to material: RNCs and PICs. For RNCs, airborne-particle abrasion with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) treatment was statistically higher than tribochemical silica airborne-particle abrasion (CoJet) (P=.02, I2=90%) and that in the hydrofluoric acid (HF) (P<.001, I2=0%) groups and was statistically similar to diamond rotary instrument grinding (P=.40, I2=54%). For PICs, the treatment with hydrofluoric acid (HF) was statistically significantly higher than with CoJet (P=.03, I2=62%) and airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3 (P<.001, I2=98%). CONCLUSIONS: The best surface treatment protocol for repair varied according to the restorative material. HF followed by silanization is suggested for PICs, and airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3 or preparation with a diamond rotary instrument for RNCs.

An evaluation of the effect of different veneer materials on fracture resistance of zirconia core / Avaliação dos diferentes efeitos de materiais de revestimento na resistência à fratura do núcleo de zircônia

Objectives: this in vitro study was done to evaluate the effect of packable P60 composite and Tetric N-Ceram composite veneer material on fracture strength of zirconia cores. Material and Methods:Twenty four zirconium cores (Vita, Germany) with 0.7 mm thickness were fabricated by CAD/CAM technology and then subjected to air abrasion with 50 µm of Al2O3. Cores were randomly divided into three groups according to veneering material (group A: control group sandblasted with 50 µm Al2O3 veneered by IPS E-max Ceram porcelain, group C: sandblasted with 50 µm Al2O3, etching with hydrofluoric acid and veneered with P60 composite, group E: sandblasted with 50 µm Al2O3, etching with hydrofluoric acid and veneered with Tetric N-Ceram composite). All crowns were subjected to fracture strength test in the testing machine, with load application by steel ball indenter and 0.5 mm/min. cross head speed. Results: statistical analysis was carried out utilizing one-way ANOVA, LSD. The results of fracture strength value test showed the highest mean value was registered for group (A), and the lowest mean for group (E). One-way ANOVA test represented that, there was a statistically high significant different among all groups. LSD results showed a high significant difference increase in fracture resistance for Group A at p value (*p < 0.001 High significant). Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, sandblasting zirconia core with 50 µm Al2O3 and veneering with conventional ceramic produced restoration with acceptable fracture resistance value (AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar o efeito dos compósitos P60 compactáveis e material laminado de compósitos Tetric-N Ceram na resistência à fratura de núcleos de zircônia. Material e métodos:Vinte e quatro núcleos de zircônia (Vita, Germany) com 0.7 mm de espessura fabricados por tecnologia de CAD/CAM e sinterizados em alta temperatura (1450ºC por 60 min) de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. Núcleos totalmente de zircônias foram submetidos a abração com 50 µm de Al2O3. Os núcleos de zircônia foram divididos de forma randomiza em três grupos de acordo com o material de revestimento (grupo A: grupo controle jateado com 50 µm Al2O3 folheado com porcelana IPS E-max Ceram, grupo C: jateado com 50 µm Al2O3 , coberto com concentração 9,5% de ácido fluorídrico e folheado com resina composta compatível, grupo E: jateado com 50 µm Al2O3 coberto com concentração 9,5% de ácido fluorídrico e folheado com porcelana IPS E-max Ceram. Todos os espécimes (coroas) foram submetidos a teste de resistência a fratura com máquina de teste universal, essa máquina utilizou para aplicação de carga bola de aço com 6mm de diâmetro 0,5 mm/min de velocidade da cruzeta. Resultados: análise estatística foi realizada utilizando One-way ANOVA, LSD. O resultado da resistência a fratura mostra que o maior valor médio foi registrado no grupo A e a menor média para o grupo E. O resultado do teste One-Way ANOVA representaram que houve uma diferença estatisticamente alta e significante entre todos os grupos. LSD foi executada para mostrar a fonte de significância. Os resultados do LSD mostraram um aumento da diferença significativa alta na resistência à fratura para o grupo A no valor de p (p < 0.001 signicancia alta). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações desse estudo o uso convencional de jateamento com 50 µm Al2O3 e estratificação com cerâmica convencional produziu restauração com valor aceitável de resistência a fratura (AU)

Repair strength and surface topography of lithium disilicate and hybrid resin ceramics with LLLT and photodynamic therapy in comparison to hydrofluoric acid.

AIM: The aim was to compare the repair bond strength and surface topography of lithium disilicate ceramics (LDC) and hybrid resin ceramics (HRC) using different surface conditioning treatments [low level laser therapy (LLLT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), hydrofluoric acid (HF) with silane and air abrasion (AA) and silane]. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty specimens each of LDC and HRC were used. Discs were prepared for each group (6 × 2 mm), conditioned using different regimes. Specimens in group 1 and 5 were laser irradiated using Er,Cr:YSGG (ECYL), group 2 and 6 were conditioned using methylene blue photosensitizer (PDT), group 3 and 7 surface was treated with hydrofluoric acid and silane (HFA-S), group 4 and 8 conditioned with Al2O3 air abrasion and silane (AA-S). A Porcelain Repair Kit was used according to manufacturer recommendation in all samples. Peak universal bond adhesive was rubbed on ceramic surface and then bonded with composite resin. For shear bond strength testing the specimens were placed in a universal testing machine. A stereomicroscope at 40x magnification was used to analyse failure pattern. Five specimens in each group after surface treatment were evaluated for surface changes and topography using scanning electron microscopy. The mean repair bond strength was calculated using ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at a significance level of (p < 0.05). RESULT: The highest repair bond strength was observed in group 3 (LDC) (20.57 ± 3.58 MPa) (HFA-S), whereas, the lowest score was displayed in Group 2 (LDC) using methylene blue photosensitizer (MBPS) (12.18 ± 1.08 MPa). Similarly, in HRC the highest repair SBS was presented in group 8 (AA-S) (20.52 ± 2.51 MPa) and the lowest SBS values were exhibited by PDT treated group 6 (13.22 ± 0.62 MPa). CONCLUSION: A combination of mechanical and chemical surface treatments should be used in order to achieve adequate repair bond strength between resin composites and ceramic interface of LDC and HRC.

Effect of surface treatments and universal adhesive application on the microshear bond strength of CAD/CAM materials

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microshear bond strength (µSBS) of four computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) blocks repaired with composite resin using three different surface treatment protocols.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different CAD/CAM blocks were used in this study: (1) flexible hybrid ceramic (FHC), (2) resin nanoceramic (RNC), (c) polymer infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) and (4) feldspar ceramic (FC). All groups were further divided into four subgroups according to surface treatment: control, hydrofluoric acid etching (HF), air-borne particle abrasion with aluminum oxide (AlO), and tribochemical silica coating (TSC). After surface treatments, silane was applied to half of the specimens. Then, a silane-containing universal adhesive was applied, and specimens were repaired with a composite, Next, μSBS test was performed. Additional specimens were examined with a contact profilometer and scanning electron microscopy. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey tests.RESULTS: The findings revealed that silane application yielded higher µSBS values (P<.05). All surface treatments were showed a significant increase in µSBS values compared to the control (P<.05). For FHC and RNC, the most influential treatments were AlO and TSC (P<.05).CONCLUSION: Surface treatment is mandatory when the silane is not preferred, but the best bond strength values were obtained with the combination of surface treatment and silane application. HF provides improved bond strength when the ceramic content of material increases, whereas AlO and TSC gives improved bond strength when the composite content of material increases.

Non-stick properties of thin-film coatings on dental-restorative instruments.

The non-stick properties of thin-film coatings on dental-restorative instruments were investigated by static contact-angle measurement using dental filler resin as well as by scanning electron microscopy of the amount of sticking dental restorative material. Furthermore, using a customized dipping measurement set-up, non-stick properties were evaluated by measuring force-by-time when the instrument was pulled out of restorative material. Minor improvements in non-stick properties were obtained with commercial diamond-like carbon and commercial polytetrafluoroethylene-based coatings. Major improvements were obtained with an in-house fabricated superhydrophobic coating prepared by a multistep process consisting of surface microstructuring by etching in hydrogen fluoride (HF): hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) (1:1; vol/vol), atomic layer deposition of a 7 nm coating of aluminium oxide and titanium oxide, and a self-assembled monolayer of fluorinated organosilicon. Superhydrophobic coatings provide a possible future solution to prevent unwanted adnerence of composite restorative material to dental instruments.

Phosphorus in recycling fertilizers - analytical challenges.

The importance of secondary raw materials for phosphorus (P) fertilizer production is expected to increase in the future due to resource depletion, supply risks, and heavy metal contamination of fossil phosphate resources. Municipal wastewater is a promising source for P recovery. In Germany for instance, it contains almost 50% of the total amount of P that is currently applied as mineral fertilizer. Several procedures have been developed to recover and re-use P resulting in a growing number of recycling fertilizers that are currently not regulated in terms of fertilizer efficiency. We tested various materials and matrices for their total P content, solubility of P in neutral ammonium citrate (Pnac) and water, and performed robustness tests to check if existing analytical methods are suitable for those new materials. Digestion with inverse aqua regia was best suited to determine the total P content. Pnac sample preparation and analyses were feasible for all matrices. However, we found significant time and temperature dependencies, especially for materials containing organic matter. Furthermore, several materials didn't reach equilibrium during the extractions. Thus, strict compliance of the test conditions is strongly recommended to achieve comparable results.

Comparative assessment of different recycling methods of orthodontic brackets for clinical use.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess bond strength of the resin/bracket interface, under in-vitro shear stress, of metal brackets recycled by different clinical protocols. METHODS: Sixty stainless steel orthodontic brackets were bonded on acrylic resin. The Transbond XT™ resin was applied at the base of the bracket aided by a matrix, obtaining 1 mm of thickness, and photoactivated with a LED device (40 s; 500 mW/cm2). Samples were randomly divided into four groups (N.=15) according to the reconditioning/recycling protocol: aluminum oxide (AO) 90 µm; hydrofluoric acid 60 s (HA60); hydrofluoric acid 120 s (HA120); hydrofluoric acid 60 s + silane (HA60S). After recycling, the resin was applied at the base of the bracket for shear testing in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). After reconditioning/recycling, the surfaces were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Data obtained after the shear test were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P<0.05). RESULTS: The AO group presented higher values of shear bond strength compared to the other reconditioning/recycling protocols (P<0.05). The HA120 and HA60S groups presented statistically similar results, but HA120 presented strength below the recommended limit. CONCLUSIONS: The recycling technique by aluminum oxide sandblasting was more effective for reconditioning orthodontic brackets when compared to the other protocols. The reconditioning technique with 10% hydrofluoric acid followed by the application of silane bonding agent may be used as an alternative protocol.

Effect of Nanofeatured Topography on Ceria-Stabilized Zirconia/Alumina Nanocomposite on Osteogenesis and Osseointegration.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic and osseointegration capability of the Ce-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP)-based nanostructured zirconia/alumina composite (Ce-TZP/Al2O3) that was treated with hydrofluoric acid (HF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteogenic MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on acid-etched titanium (AETi) disks and Ce-TZP/Al2O3 disks without HF treatment (Zr[0%]), with 4% HF treatment (Zr[4%]), or with 55% HF treatment (Zr[55%]) for 24 hours, and biologic responses were compared among four conditions in vitro. Miniature implants of AETi and Zr(55%) were surgically placed in the femora of rats. Osseointegration was evaluated by a biomechanical push-in test after 2 and 4 weeks of healing. RESULTS: The surface of Zr(55%) rendered nanofeatured topography with a greater surface area and roughness, and extensive geographical undercut as ceria-zirconia crystal disappeared from the superficial layer and was similar to the surface morphology of biomineralized matrices. Culture studies showed that the attachment, proliferation, spread, and functional phenotypes of osteogenic cells, such as alkaline phosphatase activity and bone-related gene expression, were remarkably increased on the Zr(55%) surface. The strength of osseointegration measured using the biomechanical push-in test in a rat model was stronger for Zr(55%) implants than for AETi implants by 1.6 fold. CONCLUSION: The nanostructured Ce-TZP/ Al2O3 surface substantially enhanced the osteogenic response in vitro and the osseointegration capability in vivo, which suggest its potential clinical application as a novel implant material.

Can 10% hydrofluoric acid be used for reconditioning of orthodontic brackets?

CONTEXT: Bracket debonding is a common problem during orthodontic treatment. This type of failure is associated to masticatory forces, poor adhesion, and the need for repositioning the piece. AIMS: The objective of this work was to compare the shear bond strength of debonded brackets that were reconditioned using different protocols (alumina blasting versus hydrofluoric etching). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was an in vitro experimental study with 45 stainless steel orthodontic brackets. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: They were randomly divided into three groups: (1) New brackets (n = 15), (2) brackets reconditioned using 10% hydrofluoric acid for 60 s (n = 15), and (3) brackets reconditioned by aluminum oxide blasting until complete removal of the remaining resin (n = 15). In Groups 2 and 3, the insertion of composite resin proceeded in two stages to simulate a type of bracket failure in which the bonding resin was left at the bracket base. For the shear test, the assembly composed by the metallic support, and specimen was taken to the Instron universal testing machine in which the specimens were loaded using a semicircle-shaped active tip in the region of the bonding interface parallel to the surface of the bracket at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were subjected to D'Agostino's normality test to have their distribution checked. Analysis of variance and Tukey's test (P < 0.01) were used to compare the findings between groups. RESULTS: The results indicated that Group 1 (new brackets) showed higher bond strength than that obtained for the group treated with hydrofluoric acid (Group 2, P < 0.01). The bond strength value obtained for the group treated with alumina blasting (Group 3) was statistically similar to those obtained for Groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: The aluminum oxide blasting technique was effective for the reconditioning of orthodontic brackets. Nevertheless, the reconditioning technique using 10% fluoridric acid for 60 s was not efficient for clinical use.

Porcelain surface conditioning protocols and shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

AIM: The objective of the present study was to determine which of six bonding protocols yielded a clinically acceptable shear bond strength (SBS) of metal orthodontic brackets to CAD/CAM lithium disilicate porcelain restorations. A secondary aim was to determine which bonding protocol produced the least surface damage at debond. METHODS: Sixty lithium disilicate samples were fabricated to replicate the facial surface of a mandibular first molar using a CEREC CAD/CAM machine. The samples were split into six test groups, each of which received different mechanical/chemical pretreatment protocols to roughen the porcelain surface prior to bonding a molar orthodontic attachment. Shear bond strength testing was conducted using an Instron machine. The mean, maximum, minimal, and standard deviation SBS values for each sample group including an enamel control were calculated. A t-test was used to evaluate the statistical significance between the groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in SBS values, with the exception of surface roughening with a green stone prior to HFA and silane treatment. This protocol yielded slightly higher bond strength which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Chemical treatment alone with HFA/silane yielded SBS values within an acceptable clinical range to withstand forces applied by orthodontic treatment and potentially eliminates the need to mechanically roughen the ceramic surface.

Bonding Effectiveness of Luting Composites to Different CAD/CAM Materials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of different surface treatments of six novel CAD/CAM materials on the bonding effectiveness of two luting composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six different CAD/CAM materials were tested: four ceramics - Vita Mark II; IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD; Celtra Duo - one hybrid ceramic, Vita Enamic, and one composite CAD/CAM block, Lava Ultimate. A total of 60 blocks (10 per material) received various mechanical surface treatments: 1. 600-grit SiC paper; 2. sandblasting with 30-µm Al2O3; 3. tribochemical silica coating (CoJet). Subsequent chemical surface treatments involved either no further treatment (control), HF acid etching (HF), silanization (S, or HF acid etching followed by silanization (HF+S). Two specimens with the same surface treatment were bonded together using two dual-curing luting composites: Clearfil Esthetic Cement (self-etching) or Panavia SA Cement (self-adhesive). After 1 week of water storage, the microtensile bond strength of the sectioned microspecimens was measured and the failure mode was evaluated. RESULTS: The bonding performance of the six CAD/CAM materials was significantly influenced by surface treatment (linear mixed models, p < 0.05). The luting cement had a significant influence on bond strength for Celtra Duo and Lava Ultimate (linear mixed models, p < 0.05). Mechanical surface treatment significantly influenced the bond strength for Celtra Duo (p = 0.0117), IPS e.max CAD (p = 0.0115), and Lava Ultimate (p < 0.0001). Different chemical surface treatments resulted in the highest bond strengths for the six CAD/CAM materials: Vita Mark II and IPS Empress CAD: S, HF+S; Celtra Duo: HF, HF+S; IPS e.max CAD: HF+S; Vita Enamic: HF+S, S. For Lava Ultimate, the highest bond strengths were obtained with HF, S, HF+S. Failure analysis showed a relation between bond strength and failure type: more mixed failures were observed with higher bond strengths. Mainly adhesive failures were noticed if no further surface treatment was done. The percentage of adhesive failures was higher for CAD/CAM materials with higher flexural strength (Celtra Duo, IPS e.max CAD, and Lava Ultimate). CONCLUSION: The bond strength of luting composites to novel CAD/CAM materials is influenced by surface treatment. For each luting composite, an adhesive cementation protocol can be specified in order to obtain the highest bond to the individual CAD/CAM materials.

Influence of Surface Conditioning Protocols on Reparability of CAD/CAM Zirconia-reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramic.

PURPOSE: To test the effect of surface conditioning protocols on the reparability of CAD/CAM zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic compared to lithium-disilicate glass ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (Vita Suprinity) and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic blocks (IPS e.max CAD) were categorized into four groups based on the surface conditioning protocol used. Group C: no treatment (control); group HF: 5% hydrofluoric acid etching for 60 s, silane (Monobond-S) application for 60 s, air drying; group HF-H: 5% HF acid etching for 60 s, application of silane for 60 s, air drying, application of Heliobond, light curing for 20 s; group CO: sandblasting with CoJet sand followed by silanization. Composite resin (Tetric EvoCeram) was built up into 4 x 6 x 3 mm blocks using teflon molds. All specimens were subjected to thermocycling (5000x, 5°C to 55°C). The microtensile bond strength test was employed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. SEM was employed for evaluation of all the debonded microbars, the failure type was categorized as either adhesive (failure at adhesive layer), cohesive (failure at ceramic or composite resin), or mixed (failure between adhesive layer and substrate). Two-way ANOVA and the Tukey's HSD post-hoc test were applied to test for significant differences in bond strength values in relation to different materials and surface pretreatment (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The highest microtensile repair bond strength for Vita Suprinity was reported in group CO (33.1 ± 2.4 MPa) and the lowest in group HF (27.4 ± 4.4 MPa). Regarding IPS e.max CAD, group CO showed the highest (30.5 ± 4.9 MPa) and HF the lowest microtensile bond strength (22.4 ± 5.7 MPa). Groups HF, HF-H, and CO showed statistically significant differences in terms of all ceramic types used (p < 0.05). The control group showed exclusively adhesive failures, while in HF, HF-H, and CO groups, mixed failures were predominant. CONCLUSIONS: Repair bond strength to zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics and lithium-disilicate glass ceramic could be improved when ceramic surfaces are sandblasted with CoJet sand followed by silanization.

Orthodontic bracket bonding to glazed full-contour zirconia

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects of different surface conditioning methods on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets to glazed full-zirconia surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Glazed zirconia (except for the control, Zirkonzahn Prettau) disc surfaces were pre-treated: PO (control), polishing; BR, bur roughening; PP, cleaning with a prophy cup and pumice; HF, hydrofluoric acid etching; AA, air abrasion with aluminum oxide; CJ, CoJet-Sand. The surfaces were examined using profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, and electron dispersive spectroscopy. A zirconia primer (Z-Prime Plus, Z) or a silane primer (Monobond-S, S) was then applied to the surfaces, yielding 7 groups (PO-Z, BR-Z, PP-S, HF-S, AA-S, AA-Z, and CJ-S). Metal bracket-bonded specimens were stored in water for 24 hr at 37℃, and thermocycled for 1,000 cycles. Their bond strengths were measured using the wire loop method (n = 10). RESULTS: Except for BR, the surface pre-treatments failed to expose the zirconia substructure. A significant difference in bond strengths was found between AA-Z (4.60 ± 1.08 MPa) and all other groups (13.38 ± 2.57 - 15.78 ± 2.39 MPa, p < 0.05). For AA-Z, most of the adhesive remained on the bracket. CONCLUSIONS: For bracket bonding to glazed zirconia, a simple application of silane to the cleaned surface is recommended. A zirconia primer should be used only when the zirconia substructure is definitely exposed.

Effect of surface treatments on shear bond strength of resin composite bonded to CAD/CAM resin-ceramic hybrid materials

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of surface treatments on shear bond strength of resin composite bonded to thermocycled and non-thermocycled CAD/CAM resin-ceramic hybrid materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 specimens (10×10×2 mm) from each material were divided into 12 groups according to different surface treatments in combination with thermal aging procedures. Surface treatment methods were airborne-particle abrasion (abraded with 50 micron alumina particles), dry grinding (grinded with 125 µm grain size bur), and hydrofluoric acid (9%) and silane application. According to the thermocycling procedure, the groups were assigned as non-thermocycled, thermocycled after packing composites, and thermocycled before packing composites. The average surface roughness of the non-thermocycled specimens were measured after surface treatments. After packing composites and thermocycling procedures, shear bond strength (SBS) of the specimens were tested. The results of surface roughness were statistically analyzed by 2-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and SBS results were statistically analyzed by 3-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Surface roughness of GC were significantly lower than that of LU and VE (P<.05). The highest surface roughness was observed for dry grinding group, followed by airborne particle abraded group (P<.05). Comparing the materials within the same surface treatment method revealed that untreated surfaces generally showed lower SBS values. The values of untreated LU specimens showed significantly different SBS values compared to those of other surface treatment groups (P<.05). CONCLUSION: SBS was affected by surface treatments. Thermocycling did not have any effect on the SBS of the materials except acid and silane applied GC specimens, which were subjected to thermocycling before packing of the composite resin.

Adhesive luting of new CAD/CAM materials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adhesive bonding performance of recently introduced tooth-colored CAD/CAM materials after different pretreatment protocols and using different luting materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CAD/CAM materials under investigation were e.max CAD (lithium disilicate glass ceramic; Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Celtra Duo (zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate ceramic; Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany), Lava Ultimate (resin nano ceramic; 3M ESPE, Neuss, Germany), and Enamic (resin infiltrated ceramic; Vita, Bad Säckingen, Germany). A total of 240 blocks (n = 5) received various pretreatments (no pretreatment, silane, sandblasting, sandblasting + silane, hydrofluoric acid, hydrofluoric acid + silane), and then different classes of adhesive luting composites were applied (adhesive: Prime&Bond XP + SCA + Calibra; Dentsply DeTrey; self adhesive: RelyX Unicem; 3M ESPE). After 24 h water storage and 10,000 thermocycles (5°C/55°C), specimens were cut into beams and microtensile bond strengths were recorded. RESULTS: Bonding performance of recent CAD/CAM materials was clearly influenced by the pretreatment method (P < 0.05). In general, significantly higher µ-TBS values were recorded for the ceramic materials compared to the hybrid materials (P < 0.05). Among the hybrid materials, Enamic exhibited higher bond strengths than Lava Ultimate (P < 0.05). However, despite the differences found, all materials showed a high level of bonding performance, being sufficient to withstand intraoral chewing forces during mastication. CONCLUSION: When pretreated as recommended by the manufacturers, recent tooth-colored CAD/CAM materials show an encouraging bonding performance for adhesive luting.

Label-free electrochemical detection of the human adenovirus 40/41 fiber gene.

A nanoporous silicon-based label-free DNA biosensor was fabricated to monitor rapidly enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41, a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis in children. Nanoporous silicon (NPS) was formed by an anodic etching process in a mixture solution containing hydrofluoric acid and ethanol. The polypyrrole (PPy) film was directly electropolymerized on The NPS substrate. Twenty-five base pairs of probe DNA (pDNA), derived from the fiber gene, was electrochemically doped on the PPy-coated NPS substrate. The conductivity change due to the immobilized pDNA and hybridized target DNA (tDNA) was expressed as an arbitrary factor, γ, which is a normalized numerical term used for the selective quantification of the tDNA. γ was inversely proportional to the concentration of complementary tDNA, but independent of the non-complementary tDNA. The sensitivity slope for detecting tDNAc was -1.54 µM(-1), based on the factor γ in the range of 0.4 to 1.0 µM of tDNA. The surface roughness was characterized using atomic force microscopy.