Silanisation
Pronunciation: sy-lan-ih-ZAY-shun
A surface-treatment process in which a silane coupling agent is applied to ceramic or glass-filler surfaces to promote chemical bonding between the inorganic substrate and a resin matrix.
Full Definition
Silanisation involves applying an organosilane molecule—commonly 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS)—to inorganic surfaces such as ceramic restorations or composite filler particles. One end of the silane molecule bonds covalently to silica-based substrates via siloxane linkages, while the other end contains a methacrylate group that co-polymerises with resin monomers, creating a durable interfacial bond. In clinical practice, silanisation of etched ceramic surfaces before cementation with resin luting agents is critical for long-term adhesion. Editors should use the British spelling 'silanisation' in UK-style manuscripts and 'silanization' in US-style manuscripts.
Usage
Usage note: Spell as 'silanisation' (British) or 'silanization' (American). Do not conflate the process of silanisation with the silane product itself.
In Context
- "Silanisation of the internal ceramic surface was performed immediately before application of the resin cement." — Operative dentistry methods section
- "The authors confirmed that silanisation significantly increased the shear bond strength of the feldspathic porcelain specimens." — Biomaterials research paper