OBJECTIVEThis study investigated the effect of silicon coating (SiO2) by solution-gelatin (Sol-Gel) technology on bonding strength of titanium and ceramics.

METHODSSixteen pure titanium specimens with the size of 25 mm x 3 mm x 0.5 mm were divided into two groups (n=8), test group was silicon coated by Sol-Gel technology, the other one was control group. The middle area of the samples were veneered with Vita Titankeramik system, the phase composition of two specimens were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bonding strength of titanium/porcelain was evaluated using three-point bending test. The interface of titanium and porcelain and fractured titanium surface were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy depressive spectrum (EDS).

RESULTSContents of surface silicon increased after modification with silicon coated by Sol-Gel technology. The mean bonding strength of test group and control group were (37.768 +/- 0.777) MPa and (29.483 +/- 1.007) MPa. There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.000) between them. The bonded ceramic boundary of test group was wider than control group.

CONCLUSIONSilicon coating by Sol-Gel technology was significant in improving bonding strength of titanium/Vita Titankeramik system.