Effect of photofunctionalization with 6 W or 85 W UVC on the degree of wettability of RBM titanium in relation to the irradiation time

Abstract

Photoactivation with ultraviolet C light can reverse the effects derived from biological ageing by restoring a hydrophilic surface. Ten titanium discs were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a 6 W group, and an 85 W group. A drop of double-distilled, deionized, and sterile 10 µL water was applied to each of the discs. Each disc was immediately photographed in a standardized and perpendicular manner. Measurements were taken based on the irradiation time (15, 30, 60, and 120 min). UVC irradiation improved the control values in both groups. There was no difference in its effect between the 6 W group and the other groups during the first 30 min. However, after 60 min and up to 120 min, 85 W had a significantly stronger effect. The contact angles with the 85 W ultraviolet light source at 60 and 120 min were 19.43° and 31.41°, respectively, whereas the contact angles for the 6 W UVC source were 73.8° and 61.45°. Power proved to be the most important factor, and the best hydrophilicity result was obtained with a power of 85 W for 60 min at a wavelength of 254 nm.