ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of an experimental hydrofluoric acid [HF] for preparation of porcelain and to compare it with two commercial hydrofluoric acids in Iranian trademark. A- Evaluation of etch pattern of experimental HF using scanning electron microscope [SEM]: 6 feldespathic discs were divided into 3 groups. Each group was etched with related HF [experimental, Ultradent and Kimia] for 1 minute. SEM images were recorded at 3 magnifications. B- Bond strength test: 18 feldespathic discs were considered for each acidic group. Then the porcelain surfaces were etched and bonded to composite with unfilled resin. Consequently, the microshear test was done. C- Microleakage test: 54 discs were divided into 3 groups [n=18]. Then the porcelain surfaces were etched and bonded to composite with unfilled resin and finally observed under stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Smirnov tests. SEM analysis showed no difference between groups in terms of etch pattern. Microshear bond strength values for experimental, Kimia, and Ultradent HF were 28.53 [ +/- 4.92], 28.21 [ +/- 6.61], and 26.14 [ +/- 7.61] MPa, respectively. There was no significant difference between the bond strength of test groups [P<0.05]. Furthermore, no significant difference was found between the microleakage of test groups [P>0.05]. Quality of experimental HF in terms of etch pattern, microshear bond strength and microleakage of composite/porcelain interface was similar to that of two commercial hydrofluoric acids