Alexandra Elena Biculescu

Dr. Alexandra Elena Biculescu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 December 2025 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
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ABAlexandra Elena Biculescu
Alexandra Elena Biculescu
APAnca Iuliana Popescu
Anca Iuliana Popescu
TITudor Petru Ionescu
Tudor Petru Ionescu
ICIoana Ana Maria Ciorniciuc
Ioana Ana Maria Ciorniciuc
DRDaniel Alexandru Referendaru
Daniel Alexandru Referendaru
RCRaluca Monica Comaneanu
Raluca Monica Comaneanu
Introduction: The success of metal–ceramic restorations depends on the mechanical and adhesive properties of the metal–ceramic interface. With the emergence of additive manufacturing technologies such as selective laser melting (SLM), there is growing interest in comparing these methods with conventional casting. This pilot study aimed to generate hypothesis-forming data on how fabrication method (casting and 3D printing) and alumina sandblasting with two particle sizes (125 μm and 250 μm) influence flexural performance of Co-Cr metal–ceramic systems within the standardized ISO 9693 framework. Materials and Methods: Rectangular Co-Cr alloy specimens were manufactured using two techniques: conventional casting and 3D printing via SLM. Each group was divided based on the sandblasting particle size. After ceramic application in accordance with ISO 9693:2012, samples underwent a three-point bending test using a universal testing machine (Instron 8872) to assess the displacement force required to fracture the ceramic layer. Five specimens were tested per group, and mean values and standard deviations were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Cast samples exhibited significantly higher displacement strength than printed ones. Among all groups, the cast samples sandblasted with 250 μm particles (CCT_250) showed the best performance (mean: 12.48 ± 0.91 N), while the 3D-printed group treated with 125 μm particles (CCP_125) showed the lowest strength (mean: 7.24 ± 0.65 N). Larger abrasive particles (250 μm) improved bond strength in both fabrication techniques. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant main effects of manufacturing method (F(1,16) = 13.63, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.46) and particle size (F(1,16) = 6.17, p = 0.024, η2 = 0.28), with no interaction between factors. Conclusions: Both the manufacturing method and the sandblasting protocol significantly influence the flexural performance of Co-Cr ceramic systems. Conventional casting combined with 250 μm particle sandblasting ensures the highest ceramic adhesion, while SLM-printed substrates may require additional surface treatments to improve bonding efficiency. Complementary surface treatments such as bonding agents or chemical oxidation may enhance the metal–ceramic bond in SLM-fabricated frameworks.