Effect of Sandblasting and Co2 laser Surface Treatments on the Surface Hardness and Topography of Zircad Ceramic Material

Background: Zirconia-based ceramics are widely used in dental restorations due to their excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetic appeal.Purpose: Surface treatments such as sandblasting and CO2 laser irradiation are commonly used to modify the surface characteristics of zirconia ceramics, improving bonding with other materials. Materials and methods: IPS e.max ZirCAD® Prime disc was cut, prepared 30 specimens were prepared and divided into 3 groups with different surface treatments (10 Samples each) and treated by sandblasting , CO2 laser treatments 3Watt and 4Watt.Surface hardness was tested by Vicker hardness tester and surface topography was measured by atomic force microscope for each group and statistical analysis was done. Results: Regarding surface hardness, a significantly higher mean value was recorded in Group (3 watt) (1100.78±68.93), in comparison to a significantly lower mean value (944.63±15.96) in group (4 watt).Meanwhile Surface topography by the atomic force microscope images for different groups revealed the absence of cracks on the surface of zirconia specimens treated with CO2 laser or sandblasting with evidence of micropores in the group treated with sandblasting, 3 watt output with the absence of these micropores in group treated with 4 watt that showed a carbonization layer with no evidence of irregularities. Conclusions: Different surface treatment affects the properties of ZirCAD ceramic material. The application of CO2 laser surface treatment resulted in lower hardness of zirconia, while sandblasting surface treatment showed higher hardness. As the CO2 Laser energy level increases, the hardness decreases.