The Effect of ZrO2 Slurry on Zirconia Surface Roughness, Crystal Phases, and Shear Bond Strength With Resin Cement.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of applying zirconia slurry on the surface roughness of zirconia and its resulting crystal phases, and shear bond strength with resin cement.

Methods: Two hundred and ten zirconia discs, prepared through the slip-casting and milling methods, 18 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm in thickness, were categorized into five groups according to surface treatment: no surface treatment (C and CM), 50 μm alumina air-abrasion (SB), and zirconia slurry sprayed with concentrations of 15% w/w and 30% w/w (ZS15 and ZS30). After surface treatment, all specimens underwent examination for surface roughness reported as arithmetical mean height (Sa) and maximum height (Sz), x-ray diffraction analysis for monoclinic phase detection, and were bonded with resin cement to perform shear bond strength (SBS) testing. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD at the significant level of 0.05 (α = 0.05).

Result: Sa and Sz values exhibited no statistically significant differences among all groups (p > 0.05). Crystal phases of all groups presented peaks of monoclinic and tetragonal phases. SBS values of all groups also demonstrated no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The zirconia slurry might not significantly affect the surface roughness, crystal phases, and SBS of slip-casting zirconia.