Effects of Nd:YAG laser treatment on the wettability characteristics of a zirconia-based bioceramic

By enhancing the wettability characteristics of a zirconia-based bioceramic, magnesia partially stabilised zirconia (MgO–PSZ) using Nd:YAG laser irradiation, beneficial changes in the way biological fluids interact with the material will be achieved. This will consequently improve the bone–implant interface. Contact angle measurements revealed that the Nd:YAG laser-treated MgO–PSZ exhibited a considerable reduction in contact angle, θ,   implying that laser treatment brought about improved wettability characteristics of this material. The changes in surface properties generated by the laser irradiation and their effects on the wettability characteristics of the MgO–PSZ were analysed. Notably, the complete melting and solidified different microstructure following laser treatment gave rise to the maximum wettability characteristics. It was found that although the increase in surface roughness is the factor influencing the wettability characteristics, it only plays a minor role. Both the enhancement in surface oxygen content and the increase in polar component of surface energy, γsvp, were seen to be influential factors in determining the wettability characteristics of the MgO–PSZ. Moreover, the increase in γsvp was found to be the chief mechanism governing the change in wettability characteristics of the MgO–PSZ.