Shear bond strength of veneering composite to high performance polymers

High performance polymers like PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and FRC (fiberreinforced composite) could substitute metallic alloys for removable partial dentures. However, these polymers require aesthetic veneering. This study was to determine the bond strength to direct composite. Specimens made of PEEK and FRC were produced and air-abraded (50 μm aluminum-oxide). Specimens were allocated to four experimental groups: Luxatemp Glaze & Bond, Scotchbond Universal, SR Nexco Connect and iBond Universal. Specimens were divided into three subgroups for short-term, long-term and no artificial aging and shear bond strength (SBS) was evaluated. SBS of specimens made of PEEK with no artificial aging showed values between 10.79–14.00 MPa, short-term artificial aging resulted in values between 3.78–13.85 MPa and after long-term artificial aging SBS decreased to 0–8.75 MPa. SBS measurement of FRC specimens resulted in values between 9.83–12.1 MPa without aging, after short-term artificial aging values decreased to 8.36–11.98 MPa and after long-term aging SBS showed a degradation to 4.52–7.82 MPa.