Effects of silane coupling agents and solutions of different polarity on PMMA bonding to alumina

The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of silane coupling agents and solutions of different polarity on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bonding to alumina. Three silane coupling agents (3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and N-2 (aminoethyl) 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and 3 different polar solutions, 70% ethanol, isopropanol and toluene, were selected for silanization. Shear bond strengths were statistically compared with Tukey HSD (alpha=0.05). The alumina surfaces after silanization and shear bond test were examined with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The bond strengths of PMMA on the alumina with MPS (15.0 MPa), APS (13.8 MPa) in ethanol were greater than the others in non-thermocyclings. The bond strength decreased after thermocyclings. The ethanol groups were greater than the others. EDS revealed Si remaining on the alumina surface after the shear bond test. The results indicated that the silanization using MPS and APS with ethanol solution was effective.