Effects of concentrated sulfuric acid etching durations on the shear bond strength between polyether-ketone-ketone and dentin

Objective To study the effects of different concentrated sulfuric acid etching durations on the shear bond strength between polyether-ketone-ketone (PEKK) and dentin, providing a scientific basis for the clinical bonding procedures of PEKK prosthesis. Methods Forty-four PEKK specimens were prepared and randomly divided into four groups: group A was the control group, which was only polished with abrasive papers, group B, group C and group D were experimental groups, which were etched by 98% concentrated sulfuric acid for 5 s, 30 s and 60 s, respectively. In addition, one sample was randomly selected from each group, and the profile was prepared by a slow cutting machine. The surface morphology of the profile was observed under SEM. After the four groups of specimens and dentin were bonded by resin, they were soaked in distilled water at 37 ℃ for 24 h. After the shear bonding strengths were measured, the fracture interfaces of the specimens were examined by the scanning electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy, and failure models of bonding were analyzed. Results After acid etching treatments, the cross-sectional images in group B presented uniform spongy shapes, while the cross-sectional images in group C and group D showed destructive pore structures. The shear bond strengths of group B (16.84 ± 1.84) MPa, group C (12.33 ± 1.22) MPa and group D (6.44 ± 1.18) MPa were higher than that of group A (3.99 ± 1.06) MPa (P < 0.05). The highest shear bond strength was observed in group B (16.84 ± 1.84) MPa. Conclusion The surface treatment of 98% sulfuric acid etching for 5 s manifested the best bond strength between PEKK and dentin.