Adhesion performance of conventional and high-translucency zirconia: effects of airborne-particle abrasion and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate treatments

Authors

• Chia-Ling Li, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
• Li-Li Kang, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
• Jui-Che Lin, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
• Shu-Fen Chuang, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.Follow

Abstract

Background/purpose: High-translucency zirconia exhibits different microstructure and composition, which may influence their responses to mechanical and chemical treatments, affecting resin–zirconia adhesion. This study aimed to evaluate the adhesive behaviors of conventional and high-translucency zirconia, focusing on surface modifications induced by airborne-particle abrasion (AA) and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP).

Materials and methods: Disk-shaped specimens were fabricated from six zirconia materials: CerconBase, CerconHT, and VitaHT (3Y-TZP); VitaST (4Y-PSZ); and CerconXT and VitaXT (5Y-PSZ). Specimens were air-abraded with alumina particles at 0.25 MPa. Micromorphology and roughness were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), profilometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface chemical composition and MDP interaction were evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Phosphorus content was quantified for MDP retention after ethanol rinsing, and O 1s spectra were deconvoluted to identify P–O–Zr bonding. 1-mm zirconia disks receiving AA and MDP treatments were bonded with resin cement. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured before and after thermocycling.

Results: AA-treated 4Y- and 5Y-PSZ exhibited surface roughness comparable to 3Y-TZP. XPS confirmed MDP interaction and P–O–Zr bond in all groups. 3Y-TZP VitaHT demonstrated higher phosphorus retention, while CerconBase and Cercon HT exhibit greater P–O–Zr bonding. All groups showed acceptable initial SBSs. After thermocycling, CerconBase exhibited significant inferior SBS and the highest pre-test failure rate, whereas other zirconia maintained comparable SBSs.

Conclusion: High-translucency zirconia exhibits surface roughness and MDP affinity comparable to conventional ones. The opaquest 3Y-TZP showed low bond durability, highlighting the importance of optical properties in long-term adhesive performance.

Recommended Citation

Li, Chia-Ling; Kang, Li-Li; Lin, Jui-Che; and Chuang, Shu-Fen (2026) "Adhesion performance of conventional and high-translucency zirconia: effects of airborne-particle abrasion and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate treatments," Journal of Dental Sciences: Vol. 21: Iss. 4, Article 22.
Available at: https://jds.ads.org.tw/journal/vol21/iss4/22

Publication Date

2026

Received Date

Apr 28 2026

Accepted Date

June 23 2026

Final Revision Date

June 22 2026