Effect of argon plasma and primer application on the bond strength of resin cements to two yttrium-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics

The aim of this study will be to evaluate the effect of the argon plasma application and priming on the bond strength of two resin cements to zirconia ceramics after 24 hours and after one year of water-storage. Materials and Methods: Eighty-six Katana and 80 Lava zirconia ceramic plates will be prepared and each zirconia brand will be divided into four groups (n = 10): (1) untreated; (2) treated with argon plasma for 30 s; (3) treated with Ceramic Primer Plus coupling agent; (4) treated with Scotchbond Universal adhesive. Coupling agents will be applied to zirconia following the manufacturers' instructions. The resin cements will be manipulated, inserted into silicon molds (1.2 mm diameter 1 mm height) that will be positioned on the zirconia surfaces and light activated. Specimens will be tested after 24 h and 1 year of water-storage. A shear load will be applied to the base of the resin cement cylinders (until failure). Data will be analyzed by four-way analyses of variance and Tukey's tests (o = 5%). (AU)