Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the bond strength of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) materials when used as substructures with composite superstructures, before and after artificial aging. Surface treatments, including sanding and sandblasting, were examined to determine their impact on bond strength and surface topography. Materials and Methods Sixty samples, divided equally between PEEK and PEKK, were prepared. Each group was further divided into three subgroups (n = 10): control, 10,000 thermal cycles, and 30,000 thermal cycles. The samples were subjected to surface treatments using 600-, 800-, and 1,200-grit silicon carbide wet sandpaper, followed by air abrasion with 110 µm alumina particles. Bond strength tests were conducted using an INSTRON-3345 universal testing machine, and failure types were analyzed under a stereomicroscope. Results Sandblasting with 110 µm aluminum oxide (Al2O3) significantly increased the bond strength of both PEEK and PEKK materials compared with sanding. PEEK samples treated with sandblasting showed the highest bond strength (mean = 1.296 MPa), while PEKK samples treated with sanding had the lowest (mean = 0.056 MPa). Thermal cycling reduced bond strength in both materials, with a more pronounced decrease observed in the 30,000 cycle groups. analysis of variance results indicated significant differences in bond strength based on the material, surface treatment, and the interaction between these factors. Conclusion Sandblasting with 110 µm Al2O3 is an effective method for enhancing the bond strength of PEEK and PEKK substructures with composite materials. These findings support the continued use of PEEK and PEKK polymers in dental applications, suggesting that appropriate surface treatments can significantly improve clinical outcomes.
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