Abstract:

Objective This study examines the friction and wear behavior of Vita master and Ceramco 3 in an acidic environment. Methods Surface microhardness was measured using a microhardness tester. Wear tests were performed on a ball-on-disc plint fretting wear under Coca Cola. The wear depth was measured by a surface profiler, and wear volume was calculated. Wear scars were reconstructed in three dimensions. The microstructure and wear surface morphologies were investigated using a scanning electron microscope and a laser confocal scanning microscope. Finally, the Knoop hardness and wear amount of porcelains were evaluated via t test. Results The microstructures of two kinds of materials differed. The interfaces of Vita master between the crystal and the matrix were not angled for crystal etching. As for Ceramco 3, the leucite crystals were completely removed from the matrix after etching. The hardness, wear volume, wear depth, and friction coefficient of Vita master were lower than those of Ceramco 3. The wear surface of Vita master was trapezoidal, with a scratch and wear morphology characterized by plough. By contrast, the wear surface of Ceramco 3 was a smooth oval, and its wear morphology was characterized by delamination and abrasive grains. Conclusion No significant correlation was detected between hardness value and wear volume in an acidic environment. Significant differences were observed between Vita master and Ceramco 3 in terms of friction and wear behavior in the Coca Cola test. The wear mechanism of Vita master is abrasive, whereas that of Ceramco 3 is the initiation and propagation of cracks.

Key words: veneering porcelain, friction and wear, wear mechanism, acid environment