Effect of different surface preparations on the tensile strength of adhesively bonded metal joints

In this in vitro study, the effects of different surface preparations and resins on the strength and durability of adhesively bonded joints were evaluated. Disk-shaped cobalt-chromium substrate samples of the first group were treated by the Silicoater MD® system. Samples of the two subgroups were bonded with two different bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) adhesives. Samples of the second group were treated by the Rocatec®) system and bonded with a Bis-GMA adhesive. Alumina-blasted samples of the third group were bonded with two different types of Bis-GMA adhesive modified with a phosphate monomer. Samples were stored in water for 3 days, or thermocycled and stored in water for 6 months. The joint samples were then tested for tensile bond strength. When the alumina-blasted samples were bonded with Panavia Ex® or Panavia 21® adhesive the highest bond strength was obtained, regardless of the storage conditions. The Silicoater MD method in combination with the Bis-GMA adhesive yielded high initial bond strengths comparable to those obtained with the Panavia systems, but also recorded the highest drops in bond strengths with both types of adhesive after thermal stressing and water storage. The Rocatec system in combination with Nimetic Grip adhesive produced a low but stable bond strength even after thermocycling and water storage.