New conversion method of metal surfaces for resin bonding. Conversion effects for pure metals in dental precious metal alloys.

Excellent adhesion of adhesives to metals can be realized by simply applying liquid Ga-Sn alloy (Adlloy) on the adherend metal surface. This method is only effective on dental precious metal alloys. Five metals, Au, Pt, Pd, Ag, and Cu, included in dental precious metal alloys were converted by this method to determine the most effective pure metal from bonding strength measurements, water durability at the adhesion interface, and ESCA measurements. All metals converted by Adlloy showed excellent bonding strength and water durability, whereas nonconverted metals showed poor water durability. ESCA measurements showed that metal surfaces converted by Adlloy are covered with a 3-6 nm thick Ga and Sn oxide film and that the diffusibilities of Ga in the metals are in the order Ag greater than Au greater than Pt greater than Cu greater than Pd. From the viewpoint of handling, Ag is the most effective metal.