Effects of silicon coating on bond strength of two different titanium ceramic to titanium

Objectives This study investigated the effect of silicon coating (SiO2) by magnetron sputtering on bond strength of two different titanium ceramics to titanium. Methods Sixty cast titanium specimens were prepared following the protocol ISO 9693. Titanium specimens were divided into two test and control groups with 15 specimens in each. Test groups were silicon coated by the magnetron sputtering technique. Two titanium ceramics (Triceram and Duceratin) were applied on both test (coated) and control (uncoated) metal specimens. The titanium–ceramic specimens were subjected to a three point flexural test. The groups were compared for their bond strength. SEM and SEM/EDS analyses were performed on the delaminated titanium surfaces to ascertain bond failure. Results The mean bond strength of Ti–Duceratin, Ti–Triceram, Si-coated Ti–Duceratin and Si-coated Ti–Triceram were 17.22±2.43, 23.31±3.18, 23.21±3.81 and 24.91±3.70 MPa, respectively. While the improvement in bond strength was 30% for Duceratin, it was statistically insignificant for Triceram. An adhesive mode of failure was observed in the Duceratin control group. In the silicoated Duceratin specimen, the bonded ceramic boundaries were wider but less than in the silicoated Triceram specimen. In the coated Triceram specimen, the ceramic retained areas were frequent and the failure mode was generally cohesive. Significance Silicon coating was significantly effective in both preventing titanium oxide layer formation and in improving bond strength for Duceratin. However, it was of less value for Triceram.