Effect Of Air Plasma Surface Modification on Bond Strength Between Veneering Resin and PEKK (Polyetherketoneketone)

Abstract

Background: PEKK have been recommended by their manufacturers as a framework material for implant-supported fixed prostheses because of its high biocompatibility, light weight and compatibility with veneering materials. However, achieving high bond strength veneering composite is challenging due to PEKK’s inertness and low surface energy. Purpose: to evaluate the bond strength between PEKK and veneering composite after applying three methods of surface treatment .Material and Methods: A total of 21 PEKK (Pekkton® Ivory, Cendres+Métaux, Bienne, Switzerland) specimens were prepared by using CAD/CAM system, embedded in acrylic resin, polished with (P180 up to P1200), and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=7) (1) Control (sandblasting with 110 μm Al2O3), (2) Air plasma, and (3) Sandblasting with 110 μm Al2O3 + air plasma. After surface pretreat, a qualitative assessment of surface roughness was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). With the aid of bonding jig, veneering composite was applied to each specimen and light polymerized. All completed specimens were placed in 37 ℃ water for 1 day for complete polymerization. Shear bond strength of each group was measured and fracture patterns were classified. Statistical analyses were carried out with One-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc LSD test.Results: Sandblasting + Air Plasma group showed the highest mean bond strength value of (15.881 ± 1.210 MPa) followed by control group (15.048 ± 1.398 MPa) and Air plasma (9.692 ± 1.333 MPa).Conclusion : air plasma treatment of PEKK surface showed less effect on bonding than sandblasting groups.