Oxidation effects on porcelain-titanium interface reactions and bond strength.

Titanium is strong, resists corrosion and has a low density and excellent biocompatibility. Conventional ceramic-metal restorations have been extensively used in dentistry because of their esthetic appearance and good mechanical properties. This study investigates oxidation effects on the porcelain-titanium interface reactions and bond strength. Pure titanium was treated in a porcelain furnace at temperatures of 600 to 1000 degrees C under either vacuum or air. X-ray diffraction analysis of the surface of pure titanium revealed that the relative peak intensity of alpha-Ti decreased and that of TiO2 increased, with increasing firing temperature. The Vickers hardness number of titanium increased with temperature especially over 900 degrees C, and was harder in air than in vacuum. The tension-shear bond strength of the porcelain-titanium system was the highest in the green stage and lowest after 900 degrees C treatment. Metallographic microscopy of the porcelain-titanium interface revealed a thick band-like zone in the sample treated over 900 degrees C. The excess thick layer of TiO2 apparently weakened the bond strength of porcelain-titanium. Unlike the conventional ceramic-gold alloy system the recommended degassing procedure was not suitable for porcelain-pure titanium restoration.