The Effect of Various Types of Coupling Agent Solution on the Surface Wettability of Polyoxymethylene

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various types of coupling agent solutions as a surface treatment of polyoxymethylene (POM) on surface roughness and wettability. Seventy-five POM specimens were fabricated from polyoxymethylene CAD-CAM blocks and divided into non-treated (control) and 4 coupling agent solutions treated groups (n=15/group): MPS, APS, AAPMS, and Clearfil Ceramic Primer (CCP). Fifteen specimens of each treated group were assessed with a goniometer via sessile drop method and profilometer to determine surface roughness and contact angle; morphological changes in untreated and treated specimens were examined by using scanning electron microscopy and element depositions were analyzed by using energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). One-way ANOVA was used at p< 0.05 for statistical comparison. POM specimens treated with MPS and CCP resulted in significantly lower contact angle than control, APS and AAPMS groups (p<0.05). No differences in contact angle were measured between MPS (62.2±9.9º) and CCP (52.1±13.0º); and also, between control (90.8±4.1º), APS (91.1±5.0º) and AAPMS (85.6±7.3º). Surface roughness was not significantly different after treatment between groups (p<0.05). EDS analysis showed silica on MPS, APS, AAPS and CCP. Contrary to phosphorus, that was discovered on CCP only. The surface roughness of all test groups was similar. POM treated with MPS and CCP exhibited the lowest contact angle.