This study aimed to assess bioglass sintering to a zirconia core on surface properties and bonding strength to resin cement. Zirconia specimens were divided into four groups: G I: sintered; G II: bioglass modified zirconia (a bioglass slurry was sintered with zirconia at 1550 °C); G III: sandblasted using 50 μm Al2O3 particles; and G IV: Z-prime plus application. Surface morphology and chemical analysis were studied using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Surface roughness was evaluated using a profilometer. Surface hardness was measured using an indentation tester. For the microshear bond strength test, resin cement cylinders were bonded to a zirconia surface. Half of the specimens were tested after 24 h; the other half were thermocycled (5-55 °C) for 1000 cycles. A shearing load was applied at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min on a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with ANOVA using SPSS software at (p < 0.05). Results: tThe mean surface roughness of G II was significantly higher than G I and G III. The microhardness of G II was significantly lower than all groups. For bond strength, there was no significant difference between groups II, III, and IV after thermocycling. Conclusions: Bioactive glass can increase the bond strength of zirconia to resin cement, and is comparable to sandblasting and Z-prime bonding agents.
Keywords: adhesion; bioactive bioglass; bond strength; dental materials; resin cement; surface characterization; surface morphology; zirconia.