The dental industry increasingly relies on high-performance polymers like Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Polyether-ketone-ketone (PEKK) for frameworks and restorations. However, their inert chemical nature often complicates clinical adhesion. Achieving effective PEEK bond strength enhancement requires specialized surface treatments to ensure long-term restorative success. A recent 2026 study investigated whether combining mechanical and chemical methods could optimize this interface.

PEEK Bond Strength Enhancement Through Surface Modification

Researchers evaluated four distinct surface treatment protocols for CAD/CAM-fabricated PEEK and PEKK specimens. They utilized sandblasting with 125-µm Al₂O₃, argon plasma application, or a combination of both techniques. Additionally, all specimens received a methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based adhesive before the team luted them with resin cement. Consequently, the results showed that the specific surface treatment significantly influences shear bond strength (SBS) for both materials.

Key Findings and Clinical Implications

The control groups exhibited the lowest bond strengths, which highlights the necessity of active pre-treatment in clinical practice. Interestingly, the combined sandblasting and argon plasma treatment produced the highest values for both polymers. Specifically, PEEK reached 12.2 MPa and PEKK reached 12.6 MPa after this combined approach. Although PEKK demonstrated slightly higher bond values, the difference between the two polymers remained statistically insignificant. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that sandblasting increases microroughness while argon plasma improves surface energy and wettability. Therefore, clinicians should consider this dual approach to achieve more reliable bonding of polymer frameworks to resin cements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is PEEK bond strength enhancement necessary in dentistry?

PEEK and PEKK are chemically inert and hydrophobic materials. Without proper surface modification, dental resin cements cannot form a stable bond, which may lead to restoration debonding or failure.

How does argon plasma improve the bonding process?

Argon plasma treatment modifies the polymer surface at a molecular level, increasing its surface energy. This allows the adhesive and resin cement to spread more effectively, creating a stronger and more durable chemical-mechanical interface.

Does PEKK offer better bonding than PEEK?

Current research suggests that while PEKK has a slightly different chemical structure, it performs similarly to PEEK regarding bond strength. Both materials require aggressive surface treatment like sandblasting and plasma for optimal results.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Professional judgment should always be exercised. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Çakar VG et al. Effect of Argon Plasma and Sandblasting on Bond Strength of PEEK and PEKK to Resin Cement. Med Sci Monit. 2026 Mar 15. doi: 10.12659/MSM.950955. PMID: 41832596.

2. Stawarczyk B, Beuer F, Wimmer T, et al. Bonding of composite resins to PEEK: the influence of adhesive systems and air-abrasion parameters. Clin Oral Investig. 2013;17(3):935-944. doi:10.1007/s00784-012-0792-y.

3. Lee KS, Shin MS, Jhee TK, et al. Effect of non-thermal plasma on the shear bond strength of resin cements to Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). Materials (Basel). 2021;14(20):6118. doi:10.3390/ma14206118.