INFLUENCE OF PROLONGED THERMAL CYCLING AND WATER STORAGE ON THE TENSILE BOND STRENGTH OF COMPOSITE TO NICR ALLOY

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength and bond durability of new adhesive systems (both micromechanical and chemo-mechanical) to a beryllium-free nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr). Methods. Plexiglass tubes filled with composite were bonded to NiCr alloy discs. Groups of 24 samples were bonded using six different bonding systems. Subgroups of eight bonded samples were stored in an isotonic artificial saliva solution (37 degrees C) either for 1 d, 30 d or 150 d. In addition, the 30 and 150 d samples were thermal cycled for 7,500 or 37,500 cycles, respectively. Results. The bond strength of a conventional BisGMA composite to sandblasted NiCr was statistically significantly lower than that of chemo-mechanical bonding systems and decreased continuously during the storage time of 150 d. The additional use of a silane on the sandblasted alloy resulted only in a slight, statistically insignificant increase in bond strength. Statistically significantly higher and more durable bonds to NiCr alloy were achieved either with the combination of silica coating and use of a conventional BisGMA composite or with the combination of sandblasting and the use of a composite modified with a phosphate monomer. In these systems, the bond strengths were limited by the cohesive strength of the resin composites. However, a newly developed composite containing the same active phosphate monomer showed a statistically significant decrease in bond strength (cohesive strength) over storage time. Significance. Longer-term storage times in a wet environment are needed in laboratory tests to examine the durability of bonding systems.