EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SURFACE TREATMENTS ON THE BONDING BETWEEN PEEK AND GINGIVAL COMPOSITE RESIN: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Context: Achieving adequate bond strength between polyetheretherketone (PEEK) surface and resin composite is challenging due to low surface energy of PEEK. There is insufficient data regarding the bonding of PEEK with composite. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the bonding between the two and the effects of different surface treatments on this bonding.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of various surface treatment methods on the shear bond strength between PEEK and gingival composite resin.

Materials and method: Thirty two specimens of PEEK milled with dimensions of 5x5x2mm were divided into four groups (n=eight/group), surface treatment using: (A) sand blasting, (B) aluminium nitride nano-particles, (C) hydrofluoric acid, (D) sulfuric acid. The specimens were observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) after different pre treatments. Composite resin was luted over each surface treated PEEK specimen after application of visio.link primer. The shear bond strength was tested using universal testing machine and failure mode analysed under stereomicroscope.

Statistical analysis used: One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison Tukey’s test.

Results: The mean shear bond strength found in sulfuric acid group (8.18 ± 1.42 MPa) was statistically significant (p<0.05) than those observed in hydrofluoric acid (5.27 ± 1.97 MPa), air abrasion (4.58 ± 1.32 MPa) and aluminium nitride nano-particles (2.93 ± 1.04 MPa) groups. Stereomicroscopic evaluation showed adhesive and mixed bond failures.

Conclusion:  This study showed the highest values of shear bond strength in the sulfuric acid group. The group where aluminium nitride nano-particles were used did not show promising results.