This study investigates the effect of pre-coating with methyl methacrylate (MMA) containing ultraviolet (UV) photoinitiators on the bond strength of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). Cylindrical PEEK blocks were irradiated with 365 nm UV light for 5-20 s after they were coated with MMA containing 0.4-3.0 wt% UV photoinitiators: [1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione (PPD)], [diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) (TMDPO)], and [phenyl bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (BTMPO)]. Pre-coated PEEKs were bonded to PEEK blocks with a MMA-based adhesive resin. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. Secondary electron images were captured to observe failure surfaces. The data were analyzed with one- and two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (p<0.05). The highest bond strength (20.7±5.1 MPa) was observed for pre-coating with MMA containing 0.4 wt% BTMPO, for 20 s of UV irradiation. Cohesive failure of the adhesive resin was observed. The use of this pre-coating led to improved bonding performance of PEEK.
Keywords: Poly(ether ether ketone); Shear bond strength; Surface modification; UV photoinitiator.