A comparison of electrolytic and chemical etch systems on the resin-to-metal tensile bond strength

This investigation compared the tensile bond strengths of a nickel-chromium-beryllium alloy etched electrolytically and etched with a commercially available chemical gel. The number of applications and the thermal conditions of the chemical etchant were varied to assess their influence on the composite-to-metal tensile bond strength. Etched metal cylinders were bonded end-to-end with a resin luting agent and were subsequently tested for tensile strength. Etch patterns, mean bond strengths, and mode of failure were recorded. Significant differences relating to the application number and the thermal conditions of the chemically etched specimens were noted.