Surface characterization of Ti and Y-TZP following non-thermal plasma exposure

Novel non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology has the potential to address the bonding issues of Y-TZP and Ti surfaces. This study aims to chemically characterize and evaluate the surface energy (SE) of Y-TZP and Ti surfaces after NTP application. Y-TZP and Ti discs were treated with a hand-held NTP device followed by SE evaluation. Spectra of Y-TZP 3d and Ti 2p regions, survey scans, and quantification of the elements were performed via X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) prior and after NTP. Separate Y-TZP and Ti discs were NTP treated for contact angle readings using (10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogenphosphate) MDP primer. Significant augmentation of SE values was observed in all NTP treated groups. XPS detected a large increase in the O element fraction on both Y-TZP and Ti surfaces. Reduction of contact angle reading was obtained when the MDP primer was placed on NTP treated Y-TZP. Ti surface showed high SE before and after NTP application on Ti surfaces. NTP decreased C and increased O on both surfaces independently of application protocol. Wettability of MDP primer on Y-TZP was significantly increased after NTP. The high polarity obtained on Y-TZP and Ti surfaces after NTP applications appear promising to enhance bonds. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 99B: 199-206, 2011.