Effect of Argon Plasma on the Shear Bond Strength of Y-TZP Zirconia Ceramic Resin Interface

This study aimed to evaluate zirconia surface energy and shear bond strength after application of different argon plasma irradiation time. The zirconia blocks are divided into four groups. The surface of the specimens was coated by argon plasma with different irradiation times (2.5–15–20 min). The contact angles of specimens were measured with formamide to quantify surface hydrophobicity. Experimental groups were divided into two subgroups; in the first subgroups specimens were cemented with using ceramic primer and the second subgroups were cemented with resin cement without primer. After cementation, the shear bond strength test was realized. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. p < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant. The highest mean shear bond strength (SBS) values were recorded in the application of 20 min laser irradiation time (Group A1: 28.45 ± MPa and Group A2: 24.69 ± 5.08 MPa). In the application of primer plus to Ar-plasma, SBS of all groups showed increased values however, only Group B (15 min plasma duration) and Group C (2.5 min plasma duration) revealed statistically significant different higher values. Zirconia surface energy increased with argon plasma application. In this way, the bond strength between zirconia and cement is strengthened.