Abstract
ABSTRACTPlasma technology has the potential to improve the adherence of fibers to polymeric matrices, and there are prospects for its application in dentistry to reinforce the dental particulate composite. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of oxygen or argon plasma treatment on polyethylene fibers.Material and Methods Connect, Construct, InFibra, and InFibra treated with oxygen or argon plasma were topographically evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemically by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For bending analysis, one indirect composite (Signum) was reinforced with polyethylene fiber (Connect, Construct, or InFibra). The InFibra fiber was subjected to three different treatments: (1) single application of silane, (2) oxygen or argon plasma for 1 or 3 min, (3) oxygen or argon plasma and subsequent application of silane. The samples (25x2x2 mm), 6 unreinforced and 60 reinforced with fibers, were subjected to three-point loading tests to obtain their flexural strength and deflection. The results were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparison tests.Results SEM analysis showed that oxygen and argon plasma treatments promote roughness on the polyethylene fiber surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows that both plasmas were effective in incorporating oxygenated functional groups. Argon or oxygen plasma treatment affected the flexural strength and deflection of a fiber reinforced composite. The application of silane does not promote an increase in the flexural strength of the reinforced composites.Conclusions Oxygen and argon plasma treatments were effective in incorporating oxygenated functional groups and surface roughness. The highest strength values were obtained in the group reinforced with polyethylene fibers treated with oxygen plasma for 3 min.
Highlights
Fiber-reinforced composites, initially used in ¿xed partial dentures and periodontal splinting, have been widely used in dentistry
It was observed that oxygen plasma is more effective in creating roughness compared to argon plasma (Figures 3 and 4), and that, as the exposure time to plasma increases, the roughness becomes more accentuated
(2) Oxygen and argon cold plasma treatments were effective in incorporating hydroxyl as well as oxygenated functional groups
Summary
Fiber-reinforced composites, initially used in ¿xed partial dentures and periodontal splinting, have been widely used in dentistry. They are utilized in complete and partial crowns, root posts, and orthodontic appliances. The mechanical and physical properties of ¿ber-reinforced composites largely depend on the properties and structure of the matrix¿ber interface. The difference between the elastic properties of the matrix and the ¿bers inÀuences the load transfer through the interface. Fiber-reinforced composites exhibit particular mechanical properties, different from those of neat ¿bers and non-reinforced particulate composites. Polyethylene ¿ber has speci¿c strength and fracture toughness. Polyethylene ¿ber has speci¿c strength and fracture toughness29 It has a high elastic modulus, high tensile strength, low density, good biocompatibility, high impact resistance, and Àexibility. It has some negative characteristics, such as a smooth and hydrophobic surface, a low surface energy, and a low strength
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