INFLUENCE OF HYDROFLUORIC ACID CONCENTRATION AND ETCHING TIME ON THE SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND MORPHOLOGY OF A GLAZED ZIRCONIA

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different etching protocols on the surface roughness of a glazed zirconia. Material and Methods: Zirconia ceramic-blocks (5 × 5 × 3 mm) (Vita YZ-2000-Cubes, Vita-Zahnfabrik, Germany) were prepared and divided into 6 groups according to the variables "concentration of hydrofluoric acid (HF)" (5 % and 10 %) and " etching time " (20 s, 60 s and 90 s) (n = 2), as follows: HF10/20 = HF 10% + 20 s; HF10/60 = HF 10% + 60 s; HF10/90 = HF 10% + 90 s; HF5/20 = HF 5% + 20 s; HF5/60 = HF 5% + 60 s; HF5/90 = HF 5% + 90 s. The glaze (Vita Akzent, Vita-Zahnfabrik, Germany) was applied with a brush and sintered according to the manufacturer's recommendations. After different etching protocols, five roughness (Ra) measurements were taken for each specimen in a digital profilometer (Wyko ®, Model NT-1100, Veeco, USA). The data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA 2–way) and Tukey's test (95%). Results: The variable "concentration of hydrofluoric acid" (p=0.149) was not statistically significant, while the variable "etching time" (p=0.009) was significant. The interaction between variables was statistically significant (p = 0.00). The roughness averages (± standard deviation) obtained were (µm): GHF10/20=1.94(±0.72)A, GHF5/90=1.92(±0.19)A, GHF5/20=1.38(±0.48)AB, GHF5/60=1.18(±0.63)B, GHF10/60=1.17(±0.30)B, GHF10/90=0.82(±0.27)B (Tukey). Conclusion: It can be concluded that hydrofluoric acid (10%) at a higher concentration associated with a lower etching time (20 s) promoted higher superficial roughness on glazed zirconia. DESCRIPTORS: Ceramics. Zirconium. Vitrification.