Repair bond strength of resin composite with experimental primers - effect of formulation variables

The aim of this study was to prepare experimental resin-based primers with varied components (silane - S, polyacrylic acid - PA, or methacrylic acid - MA) and evaluate their repair bonding ability to resin composite. Primers were prepared containing methacrylate monomers, acidic monomer, ethanol, photoinitiators and 0, 10, or 20 wt% of S, PA, or MA. Degree of C=C conversion and pH were measured. Composite blocks (Opallis, FGM) were aged by 5000 thermal cycles and composite cylinders (repairs) were built up on their surfaces. The cylinders were tested under shear stress after 24h. Failure modes were classified under magnification. Data were statistically analyzed at =0.05. Primers containing MA were the most acidic compositions, whereas S-containing primers were less acidic. Incorporation of 20 wt% of the varied components decreased C=C conversion. PA-based primers had higher C=C conversion than MA-based materials. Repair bond strength results were dependent on the component added and its concentration. MA-based primers presented higher bond strength than primers containing PA. Cohesive failures within composite were predominant for S-based primers, whereas mixed failures were more prevalent for PA-based primers. In conclusion, the overall best repair abilities were observed for primers containing 10 wt% of the components tested.