This invitro study investigated the effect of a self-etching ceramic primer (Monobond Etch & Prime [MEP]), with or without aluminum oxide airborne-particle abrasion, on the surface roughness, and microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of lithium disilicate bonded to enamel, compared with the conventional hydrofluoric acid plus silane (HF + S). Lithium disilicate specimens (10 × 10 × 4 mm) were assigned to four groups: HF + S airborne-particle abraded (HF + S[a]), HF + S polished (HF + S[p]), MEP airborne-particle abraded (MEP[a]), and MEP polished (MEP[p]). Surface roughness (ΔSa) was assessed after conditioning, and specimens were bonded to bovine enamel with resin cement. μTBS was tested before and after thermo cycling (10,000 cycles, 5°C/55°C). Airborne-particle abrasion significantly increased ΔSa (HF + S[a]: 1.16 ± 0.12 μm; MEP[a]: 0.85 ± 0.02 μm) compared to polished specimens (HF + S[p]: 0.47 ± 0.04 μm; MEP[p]: 0.38 ± 0.04 μm). HF + S and MEP performed similarly in all conditions (p > 0.05). Airborne-particle abraded surfaces consistently exhibited higher μTBS than polished ones (p < 0.05). Thermo cycling significantly reduced μTBS in all groups. Mixed and cohesive failures predominated before thermo cycling, whereas adhesive failures increased after. MEP and HF + S demonstrated comparable bonding to enamel. Airborne-particle abrasion enhanced both surface roughness and μTBS, regardless of conditioning strategy. Although thermo cycling reduced adhesion in all groups, the decline was similar across treatments.

Surface treatment enhances bonding to ceramic restorations but may alter their optical properties. Lithium disilicate and zirconia respond differently to surface treatments due to variations in their microstructure. This study evaluated how sandblasting, hydrofluoric acid with silane, and laser treatment affect the color stability and translucency of these ceramics. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of ceramic material type and surface treatment on the color stability and translucency of lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramics. Forty samples were constructed in the form of discs form lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramic (n = 20 for each). Samples from each material were divided into four subgroups according to the surface treatment used as following: (Ctrl); control with no surface treatment, (S.B); sandblasting using AL2O3, (H.F); hydrofluoric acid etching with silane coupling agent, (L.A); laser treatment. Each subgroup from each material was undergoing color and translucency test using spectrophotometer. The data were statistically analysed using a Two-Way ANOVA, followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using Tukey's HSD for each individual factor. Among the tested surface treatments only laser showed color change within the clinical accepted range with lithium disilicate ceramic (1.04 ± 0.15), also hydrofluoric acid etching with silane application showed that with zirconia (0.41 ± 0.10). Sandblasting showed the lower translucency value with lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramic with a significant difference with the control samples (p value ˂0.001). Surface treatments affected the optical properties of both ceramics in a material-dependent manner. Laser conditioning preserved color acceptably in lithium disilicate, while hydrofluoric acid with silane did so for zirconia. Sandblasting significantly reduced translucency in both materials, indicating its potential to compromise esthetic outcomes.

The effectiveness of non-thermal plasma (NTP) in improving the bond strength of different resin cements to different glass ceramics under various surface treatment protocols remains unclear. Moreover, the influence of specific plasma devices and the material-dependent response of ceramic-resin cement systems to NTP have not been sufficiently investigated. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of NTP on the shear bond strength of different resin cements to different glass ceramics by comparatively assessing multiple surface treatment protocols. A total of 240 specimens of each glass ceramic group (IPS e.max CAD (E), Vitamark II (V)) were divided into 24 groups according to the combination of 6 surface treatments ((control), hydrofluoric acid (HF)+ceramic primer (Pr), Pr, HF+plasma (Pl) + Pr, Pl + Pr, and Pl) and two different resin cements (Single Bond+RelyX Ultimate (R) and ZenitCem (Z)). NTP was applied with an AC microsecond pulse power supply (5kHz, 20kV, 90s). Specimens were cemented to composite cylinders. After storage in an oven, SBS was measured. The results were analyzed using three-way ANOVA, post-hoc tests, and targeted pairwise comparisons, with the significance level set at α = 0.05. The effectiveness of NTP is material- and cement-dependent and should be considered as a selective surface modification strategy rather than a universal alternative to conventional surface treatments. The V-Pl-Z group showed significantly higher SBS values than the V-Z group, and these values were within the clinically acceptable range (p < 0.05). In the V groups treated with HF + Pr and HF + Pl+Pr, R demonstrated higher bond strength values than Z. HF surface treatment increased the SBS values for all groups (p < 0.05). The effectiveness of NTP is material- and cement-dependent and should be considered as a selective surface modification strategy rather than a universal alternative to conventional surface treatments CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that atmospheric non-thermal plasma does not universally enhance ceramic-resin cement bonding. Its effectiveness depends on the ceramic substrate, resin cement type, and surface treatment protocol. Clinicians should therefore apply plasma selectively.

Surface modifications of implants aim to mimic bone tissue and provide a more suitable environment for cell metabolism. Several modifications have been proposed, and in addition to evaluating the effects of these treatments on cell behaviour, it is also essential to determine the response of these cells to an inflammatory environment. This investigation evaluated the behaviour of murine pre-osteoblasts seeded onto acid-treated titanium and zirconia surfaces subjected to inflammatory challenge. Discs were manually polished using abrasive paper and then subjected to surface modification by hydrofluoric acid through distinct protocols according to each material. Surface topography and roughness were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ImageJ software (Version 2.16). Then, MC3T3 cells were seeded onto the discs for 24 h and subsequently exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) (1 μg/mL) for 4 h at 37 °C. The cells were then evaluated for viability, oxidative response, and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Both materials were affected by acid treatment, resulting in more irregular topography and increased surface roughness.

To address the critical technical bottleneck of severe matrix interference in the analysis of trace anions within electronic-grade hydrofluoric acid (HF), a novel online two-dimensional ion-exclusion/ion-exchange chromatography (2D-IC) method was developed. Highly efficient online matrix elimination was achieved by systematically optimizing the first-dimension flow rate and the valve-switching enrichment window. The primary technical breakthrough of this work is the strategic integration of a controlled delay volume that breaks conventional flow path configurations. Specifically, a 3.0 m FEP delay tubing was introduced between the conductivity cell waste outlet (CELL OUT) and the suppressor regeneration liquid inlet (REGEN IN). This configuration targets a previously overlooked interference mechanism: electrolytic fluctuation feedback. The residual ultra-high concentration HF matrix entering the suppressor's regeneration chamber can trigger violent fluctuations in the electrolytic balance, leading to anomalous baseline elevation that severely masks trace chloride (Cl-) signals. By rationally leveraging the Taylor-Aris dispersion effect and controlled time delay within the tubing, the sharp matrix pulses are physically smoothed into a steady, low-concentration flow before reaching the regeneration chamber. This strategy completely blocks the suppressor feedback interference, eliminating the matrix masking effect on chloride quantification without compromising analytical sensitivity or altering thermodynamic separation conditions. Method validation demonstrated excellent linearity for five target anions (Cl-, Br-, NO3-, SO42-, and PO43-) within the 0.1-20 µg kg-1 range (r > 0.999), with ultra-low limits of detection (0.005-0.015 µg kg-1). Requiring a single-run time of only 30 min, this highly sensitive and robust method provides a reliable chromatographic strategy for the stringent quality control of ultra-high-purity wet chemicals in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries.

The mechanical action of toothbrushing can lead to the wear of restorations, and the extrinsic characterization layer applied to enhance their esthetics may also experience degradation over time. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of surface treatments and the durability of this layer in new restorative materials. This study evaluated the effects of simulated toothbrushing on the optical and mechanical properties of one 3D-printed and two CAD/CAM resin composite materials, considering different surface treatments. Disks of a 3D-printed material (VarseoSmile Crownplus) and two CAD/CAM resin composite materials (Grandio Blocs and Vita Enamic) were divided into three groups (n = 10) based on surface treatment: control (no treatment after polishing), self-etching primer (Monobond Etch & Prime [MEP]), and hydrofluoric acid with silane. A pigment layer followed by glaze was applied to the surface, which was then evaluated for roughness, color, translucency, and gloss. Specimens were subjected to 3,650, 18,250, and 36,500 cycles of simulated toothbrushing, with measurements taken after each interval. Surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Translucency and color difference data were subjected to Two-Factor ANOVA and Tukey's test, while roughness and gloss were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) across the tested factors (time, surface treatment, and their interaction), depending on the material and parameter evaluated. Surface treatment and toothbrushing had a significant impact on roughness, gloss, and translucency (p < 0.05), with varying effects across different materials. Overall, MEP is preferred for VarseoSmile Crownplus, while acid conditioning is most suitable for Grandio Blocs and Vita Enamic. Two-way ANOVA indicated statistically significant differences for color and translucency difference, with higher values after applying the characterization layer. Surface treatment played a key role in maintaining the longevity of the characterization layer. Although simulated toothbrushing led to progressive wear, the application of surface treatment before characterization effectively mitigated this degradation.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a prototypical weak acid whose onset size and microscopic electronic mechanism of dissociation in finite water clusters remain poorly unified. Here, we perform systematic structural searches and multi-level quantum-chemical calculations on HF(H2O)n (n = 1-12) clusters and, by combining energetic analysis with simulated infrared spectra, map out the microscopic evolution of spontaneous HF dissociation. Although metastable ion-pair isomers already emerge for n ≥ 4, the ion-pair configuration does not become the global minimum until n = 11. At this size, the H-F stretching band disappears completely from the simulated IR spectrum, while the characteristic vibrational features of the hydronium ion H3O+ are strongly enhanced, allowing us to unambiguously identify n = 11 as the critical cluster size for a stable auto-dissociation of HF. Statistical analysis of 692 optimized structures further reveals a dual dependence of HF dissociation on both size and topology: a local water coordination number (WCN) ≥ 3 around HF is a necessary condition for triggering proton transfer, whereas an overall cluster size n ≥ 11 is required to thermodynamically stabilize the ion-pair state, underscoring the key role of cooperative hydrogen-bond networks in breaking the H-F bond. Our energy decomposition analysis based on sobEDAw further reveals that the pronounced stability of the undissociated HF is primarily governed by covalent orbital interactions. We identify 1.17 Å as a critical threshold, beyond which the dominant stabilization mechanism switches to ionic electrostatic interactions, thereby revealing an electronic mechanism: a covalency-electrostatics crossover that sets the threshold of eleven water molecules for HF dissociation. By jointly establishing the size threshold, structural motifs and electronic driving mechanism for the dissociation of a weak acid in finite water clusters, this work provides a new theoretical basis for a unified understanding of weak-acid solvation and proton-transfer mechanisms at the molecular level.

This in vitro study investigated the effect of immediate dentin sealing and provisional cements on micro tensile bond strength (μTBS) of resin bonded glass ceramic to dentin. Occlusal surfaces of sixty maxillary premolars were cut perpendicular to the long axis of the teeth to expose dentin. A total of 60 pressable lithium disilicate glass ceramic specimens (Emax press, Ivoclar, FL) were laboratory fabricated. Prepared teeth were classified into 6 groups according to dentin conditioning as follow: Group 1:(C), freshly cut dentin (control group). Group 2: (IDS), immediate dentin sealing. Group 3:(IDS-RC), immediate dentin sealing plus resin based provisional cement (Provitemp, ITENA Clinical, France). Group 4: (IDS-CC), immediate dentin sealing plus conventional provisional cement (NTEC, Meta Biomed, South Korea). Group 5: (C-RC), dentin without sealing plus resin based provisional cement and Group 6: (C-CC), dentin without sealing plus conventional provisional cement. Universal adhesive (Tetric-N-bond universal, Ivoclar, FL) was used for IDS, then provisional restorations were temporarily inserted to prepared teeth using provisional cements. Test groups (IDS-CC, IDS-RC, CCC and C-RC) were covered with provisional restorations and kept in water bath for 2 weeks. Intaglio surfaces of ceramic specimens were etched using 9.5% hydrofluoric acid for 15 seconds then rinsed with water and ultrasonically cleaned for 3 minutes in 99% alcohol and air dried. Universal primer (Monobond N, Ivoclar, FL) was applied immediately to the etched intaglio surfaces. Selfadhesive resin cement (Multilink Speed, Ivoclar, FL) was mixed and applied to the intaglio surfaces of ceramic restorations. Then ceramic restorations were bonded to conditioned teeth, excess cement was removed. All specimens were light polymerization for 20 seconds from 4 directions. Finally bonded specimens were artificially aged as follow; one hour after bonding, specimens of all test groups were stored in water bath at 37°C for 5 months followed by thermal cycling for 5000 thermal cycles to simulate clinical condition. μTBS were recorded in MPa. Tukey's HSD test (P≤0.05) was used for statistical analysis. Compared to control group (C) (6.37±3.26), immediate dentin sealing significantly increased μTBS (P<.05) for the following groups; IDS (13.76±7.72), IDS-RC (15.24±5.6) and IDS-CC (13.99±6.98). However, provisional cementation didn't significantly affect μTBS for groups; C-RC (5.08±2.91); C-CC (4.45±1.92) (P >.05). Immediate dentin sealing had a significant impact on resin bonding to lithium disilicate glass ceramic.

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) microstructures are widely employed in photonic and microelectronic devices. However, achieving well-controlled device profiles typically relies on costly dry-etching tools and complex fabrication workflows. Wet etching of SiO2 in hydrofluoric acid (HF), while attractive for its simplicity and scalability, is commonly regarded as inherently isotropic, limiting sidewall control. This work demonstrates that pronounced and continuously tunable anisotropy can be achieved using a buffered oxide etch (BOE)-based wet etching strategy. By systematically modulating etchant chemistry, surfactant-assisted interfacial transport, and etching temperature, anisotropic selectivity is engineered at a relatively high etch rate while maintaining smooth and uniform profiles, without relying on high-cost fabrication methods. In particular, reducing the etching temperature leads to a reduction in the sidewall angle of 33% and an increase in the vertical-to-lateral etch-rate ratio of 16%. These results establish BOE-based wet etching as a simple, scalable, and cost-effective approach for near-anisotropic SiO2 microfabrication with improved profile fidelity.

To assess how resin cement viscosity and thickness influence the static shear bond strength (s-SBS) of adhesively bonded lithium disilicate ceramic. Cylindrical lithium disilicate samples were prepared and randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 10), based on two factors: resin cement thickness (thin ≈50 µm or thick ≈150 µm) and viscosity (high or low). A tri-layer configuration (ceramic-resin cement-ceramic) was used, with standardized ceramic discs obtained from CAD/CAM blocks. The bonding ceramic surfaces were etched with hydrofluoric acid, silanized, and a defined bonding area (≈6 mm2) was delimited using adhesive tape. The resin cement thickness was controlled by applying either one (thin) or three (thick) overlapping layers of adhesive tape. Resin cement was applied, and assemblies were seated under a 100 g static load. After light-curing, specimens were subjected to static shear bond strength testing (s-SBS) using a universal testing machine (crosshead speed: 1 mm/min; load cell: 1 kN). Failure mode was classified under stereomicroscopy, and representative samples were analysed under SEM. Additional specimens were used to confirm cement layer thickness using a profilometer. For the thick resin cement layer (≈150 µm), viscosity significantly influenced bond strength, with high-viscosity cement showing higher mean values (27.36 MPa) compared to the low-viscosity cement (19.65 MPa). In contrast, resin cement viscosity did not affect the bond strength in the thin layer condition (≈50 µm). Most specimens exhibited adhesive failure at the ceramic-cement interface. Resin cement selection based on viscosity is particularly relevant when a thick cement layer is anticipated, whereas for ideal, thin cement films, viscosity is a less consequential factor for interfacial bond strength.

Synergistic Effect of a Combined 10-MDP/γ-MPTS Primer on Glass-Ceramic Bonding: A Multimodal Study.

High-quality fs-laser structured Si in air for optoelectronic applications

Universal adhesives (UAs), introduced in 2011, are well established in restorative dentistry but remain relatively unexplored in orthodontics, where their capacity to bond to enamel and multiple restorative materials could simplify bonding protocols and reduce the need for primers. This systematic review evaluated the bond strength of UA for orthodontic applications-including bracket bonding, fixed retainers, and bonding to restorative surfaces-compared with conventional adhesives. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by Google Scholar and reference lists. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD420250654277). The search covered 2011 to 1 December 2024. Eligible studies were in vitro, in vivo, or clinical studies in English assessing UA for orthodontic bonding. Exclusion criteria were case reports, reviews, abstracts, theses, and non-orthodontic applications. Risk of bias was assessed with QUIN tool (in vitro) and RoB-2 (clinical). Of 401 records, 323 remained after removing duplicates; 248 were excluded at title/abstract and 38 at full text, leaving 37 studies (36 in vitro; 1 with an in vitro and clinical component). Seven orthodontic applications were investigated. UA generally provided sufficient bond strength, except on some metal restorations. On enamel, phosphoric-acid etching for 15s improved adhesion. On ceramics, hydrofluoric acid etching (HF) or sandblasting enhanced performance. For polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and composite restorations, bur roughening or sandblasting improved results. UAs may simplify orthodontic bonding across enamel and restorative surfaces without separate primers, but more clinical studies are needed.

This study aimed to compare the effects of surface treatment protocols on the surface roughness and shear bond strength (SBS) of a three-dimensional (3D)-printable resin for definitive crowns. A 3D-printable resin for definitive crowns (Saremco Print Crowntec) was used to produce 168 specimens (10 × 10 × 2 mm3) using liquid crystal display (LCD)-based technology. Specimens were allocated to seven surface treatment groups (n = 24/group): control, Al2O3 air abrasion (110 µm, 50 µm), 9% hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching (1 and 3 min), and CO2 laser treatment with parallel and grid patterns. Each group included 12 specimens with primer and 12 specimens without primer. Dual-cure cement was applied via cylindrical molds (Ø2.38 × 3 mm). SBS tests were conducted. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and the Tukey test (p < 0.05). Surface treatments significantly affected SBS (p < 0.001). The highest SBS was with 110-µm Al2O3 air abrasion (14.05 ± 3.78 MPa), followed by CO2 laser with parallel lines (11.86 ± 5.51 MPa). The 1-min HF etching (9.47 ± 4.04 MPa) and the control group (7.08 ± 2.98 MPa) showed low SBS. The primer application did not significantly affect SBS. A weak positive correlation was found between SBS and surface roughness (r = 0.297, p = 0.006). Air abrasion with 110-µm Al2O3 provided the highest bond strength for 3D-printed restorations. CO2 laser with parallel line patterns was an alternative. Under the tested conditions, 1-min HF etching showed low bond strength, whereas a 3-min application resulted in improved outcomes. Surface roughness appears to aid bonding, but is not sufficient alone.

Objectives: The surface wettability of zirconia has been reported to correlate with the roughness. However, most studies commonly used the arithmetical mean deviation of the roughness (Sa) to predict surface wettability. It is of interest whether other roughness parameters affect the wettability of zirconia. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of various roughness parameters on the surface wettability of 3Y-TZP. Methods: Zirconia slabs were prepared and divided into 4 groups (n=10) based on the surface treatment as follows: no treatment (control), air abrasion (AB), etching with 48% hydrofluoric acid (HF), and etching with the mixture of 37% hydrochloric acid and 68% nitric acid (CN). The specimens were scanned using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate vertical roughness parameters (Sa, Ssk: the skewness, Sku: the kurtosis) and non-vertical roughness parameters (Rsm: the mean width of the profile elements, Sdq: the mean slope of the surface, Sdr: the rate of increase in the surface area). Wettability was determined by surface contact angle (θc) using the sessile drop technique. The data were analyzed statistically with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p&lt;0.05). Results: The group showing statistically higher Sdq and Sdr values than that of the control group (p=0.025 and 0.019, respectively) possessed significantly lower θc (p=0.000), despite similar Sa, Ssk, Sku, and Rsm patterns (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: The Sdq and Sdr parameters could affect the surface wettability of 3Y-TZP. The higher slope of the profile and the higher surface area synergistically established better wettability of 3Y-TZP.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different surface treatments combined with high- or low-viscosity resin cements on the biaxial flexural strength of 4YSZ ceramics. Discs of 4YSZ (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT, Ivoclar AG; 15 mm diameter, 1.2 mm thickness) were prepared, subjected to CAD/CAM milling simulation using #220 silicon carbide papers, and divided into 10 groups according to two factors: “Surface Treatment” – Control (CTRL, no treatment); air abrasion with 45 µm (AB45) or 110 µm (AB110) alumina oxide particles; and glaze either followed (GLZ + HF) or not (GLZ) by 10% hydrofluoric acid; and “Resin Cement Viscosity” – High (H) or Low (L). The discs were treated, luted with resin cement, and subjected to two monotonic tests (n = 2) to determine fatigue parameters, followed by biaxial fatigue testing (n = 15; piston-on-three-balls; 20 Hz; 10,000 cycles; initial stress: 75 MPa; increments of 25 MPa). Topography, fractography, and surface roughness analyses were also performed. Surface treatment significantly influenced fatigue performance (p < 0.05, F = 60.25), whereas resin cement viscosity and its interaction with surface treatment did not show significant effects (p > 0.05, F = 0.86; p > 0.05, F = 0.07). The GLZ groups exhibited the highest flexural strength (H/L-GLZ: 382–396 MPa), followed by intermediate values in CTRL (H/L-CTRL: 285–288 MPa), AB45 (H/L-AB45: 310–315 MPa), and GLZ + HF (H/L: 273–280 MPa), while AB110 groups presented the lowest strength (H/L: 205–210 MPa). Surface roughness was lower for GLZ (Ra: 1.44 µm) and GLZ + HF (Ra: 1.38 µm) compared to AB45 (Ra: 1.83 µm) and AB110 (Ra: 1.69 µm). GLZ produced smooth and homogeneous surfaces, GLZ + HF led to areas partially exposed by acid, and AB110 caused more pronounced surface defects than AB45. Hence, the GLZ treatment offered superior fatigue performance; AB45 and GLZ + HF showed behavior similar to CTRL, whereas AB110 impaired mechanical performance. Resin cement viscosity had no significant influence on fatigue strength

Minimally invasive anterior veneer restorations have become a cornerstone of contemporary esthetic dentistry, with both direct composite resin and indirect ceramic veneers offering effective and conservative treatment solutions. This article provides a comprehensive clinical and scientific overview, outlining indications, preparation protocols, adhesive procedures, esthetic and functional outcomes, and long-term performance. For indirect ceramic veneers, key clinical concepts such as additive design philosophy, project-guided preparations, and mock-up-driven techniques are explored in detail. The importance of enamel preservation is highlighted. Adhesive protocols are critically reviewed, including ceramic conditioning with hydrofluoric acid, silanization, and tooth surface treatment under rubber dam isolation. Long-term survival and success data from the literature are discussed, showing superior longevity for ceramic veneers but also showing the advantages of modern composite resin materials. Ultimately, when used appropriately and according to clinical indications, both composite resin and ceramic veneers represent viable treatment options that provide predictable outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

This study aimed to develop a low-toxicity etchant for bonding pretreatment of silica-based CAD-CAM materials. An experimental etchant was prepared by combining ammonium hydrogen fluoride (AHF) with ammonium hydrogen sulfate (AHS) and subsequently optimized. The optimized AHF/AHS etchant was evaluated on lithium disilicate glass, feldspathic porcelain, polymer-infiltrated ceramic network, and resin composite, and compared with hydrofluoric acid (HF), a commercial etchant (Monobond Etch & Prime; MEP), and alumina sandblasting. For lithium disilicate glass, shear bond strength (SBS) obtained with AHF/AHS treatment was higher than that with MEP but lower than that with HF. For feldspathic porcelain and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network, SBS obtained with AHF/AHS was comparable to those obtained with HF. For resin composite, SBS obtained with AHF/AHS was higher than that with untreated control while lower than that with sandblasting. Cytotoxicity evaluated using human gingival fibroblasts showed IC50 values comparable to those of phosphoric acid and sodium fluoride.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) generation in carbonate-based electrolytes with LiPF6 is a primary failure cause in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. Here, a new dual-functional additive 5-trimethylsilanylthiazole (5-SiTZ) is developed by rational molecular design for ultrafast and persistent acid scavenging. Siloxane group in 5-SiTZ reacts spontaneously with HF, while its thiazolyl moiety acts as a secondary Lewis base scavenger and chelates PF5 to suppress further HF generation. This synergistic action achievesultrafast (<1s) and complete HF removal for over 200 days upon open-air exposure. Furthermore, 5-SiTZ promotes the formation of a robust, inorganic-rich cathode electrolyte interphase. The combined effect of persistent HF removal and interface stabilization enables commercial graphite||NCM811 pouch cells to deliver outstanding capacity retention of 92.1% after 700 cycles at 4.6V. This work establishes a paradigm of synergistic molecular design for multi-functional additives, providing a practical route to durable high-energy batteries.

ABSTRACTA simple, robust and cost‐effective analytical methodology was developed for the determination of niobium in highly refractory materials: Nb‐doped gadolinium zirconate (Gd2Zr2O7:Nb) and niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5). The challenge of digesting these matrices was successfully accomplished by establishing two independent dissolution procedures: (i) Fluoride‐free digestion under reflux conditions and (ii) microwave‐assisted digestion using a minimal volume of hydrofluoric acid (0.1 mL of 40% hydrofluoric acid). This dual digestion approach provides reliability, flexibility and robustness to the method. Subsequent to dissolution of highly refractory solid matrices, a one‐step spectrophotometric method for Nb determination based on the formation of peroxoniobium complex in sulfuric acid medium was optimised and developed. The proposed method is easy and straightforward, with fewer procedural steps and requires a lower chemical inventory. The developed method has a wide linear dynamic range of 2–225 ppm Nb spanning two orders of magnitude with a regression coefficient of 0.99945 and a detection limit of 0.4 ppm. The precision obtained is 2.13% (method relative standard deviation [RSD], n = 5) and 0.17% (instrumental RSD, n = 9). The recovery of Nb from spiked samples at a 50 ppm level is greater than 98% and, thereby validating the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed method is independently authenticated using total reflection X‐ray fluorescence/energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence techniques, with the results showing good agreement within the 95% confidence interval.