The Effect of Recycled CAD/CAM PEEK Fibers on the Transverse Strength of Repaired Acrylic Resin

Abstract

One of the significant advantages of Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is its ability to bond composite materials. This makes it a versatile material that can be used in a range of dental applications, including as a framework for fixed or removable dental prostheses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the transverse strength of heat-cured acrylic resin after reinforcing repaired material with recycled PEEK fibers obtained from a CAD/CAM machine. After milling, PEEK fibers were collected from the CAM machine. The size of the PEEK fibers was measured by utilizing a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM); with the particle grit size being 200 µm. Thirty specimens were used and divided into three groups of heat-cured acrylic resins was evaluated. All specimens have been stored at 37°C prior to fracture, and specimens have been then repaired after fracture with an auto-polymerizing acrylic resin using Ivomet. Group A of heat-cured specimens was used as a (control group) and repaired with no additive to the self-cured acrylic repair materials. While group B has been repaired by self-cured acrylic reinforced with of 1%wt. PEEK fibers, group C has been repaired by self-cured acrylic reinforced with the addition of 2%wt. PEEK fiber. There is a difference between groups A and C; however, there is a significant difference at 0.05 when comparing with groups B and C. When compared to (1%wt. PEEK-fiber) and the control group, adding (2%wt. PEEK-fiber) improves the transverse strength of the repaired heat-cured acrylic resins.