Dina M. El Gedawi, Mostafa E. Gheith And Abdelrahman Mh,

ABSTRACT
Objective: The Aim Of This Study Was To Evaluate Morphology, Surface Roughness And Mechanical Properties Of Glass Fiber Posts (GFPs) After Different Surface Treatment Protocols.

Materials and Methods: A Total Of Forty GFPs With Maximum Diameter Were Be Divided Into Four Groups (n=10): GC- No Surface Treatment (control), GSB- Sandblasted, GHF- Hydrofluoric Acid Etched, GE- Er:YAG Laser Irradiated. The GFPs Surface Morphology Was Evaluated Through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Surface Roughness Was Measured Using Surface Profilometer And The 3-points Bending Flexural Test Measured Flexural Strength And Elastic Modulus.

Results: SEM Showed Alternation Of Post Surfaces After All Surface Treatments. Analysis Of Surface Roughness Demonstrated Significant Difference Between The Tested Groups At P?0.001. GSB (5.5�0.6) Showed The Highest Roughness Followed By GHF (3.9�0.3), GE (3.2�0.2), Then GC (2.1�0.4). The 3 Points Bending Test Results Were Calculated And Recorded Insignificant Difference Between The Tested Groups At P=0.481 For Maximum Flexure Load (N) As For The Flexure Stress At The Maximum Flexure Load (MPa) It Was Shown Significant Difference Between The Tested Groups At P=0.009. GSB (697.1�96.9N) Showed The Highest Flexure Stress (MPa) Compared To GE (548�112.7N) And GHF (572.9�102.6N). Modulus Of Elasticity (GPa) Showed Significant Difference Between The Tested Groups At P=0.003. GSB (28.9�2.9 MPa) Showed The Highest Modulus Of Elasticity (GPa) Compared To GE (23�4.6 MPa) And GHF (23.6�4 MPa). GC Showed Insignificant Difference With All Tested Treatments. Conclusion: The Different Surface Treatments Used In This Study Showed Alternations Of GFPs Surfaces. They Had No Influence On The Mechanical Properties Of GFPs.