Influence of sintering conditions on low-temperature degradation of dental zirconia

The effect of sintering conditions and concomitant microstructure of dental zirconia (ZrO2) ceramics on their low-temperature degradation (LTD) behavior remains unclear. Objectives. Therefore, their effect on LTD of dental ZrO2 ceramics was investigated. Methods. Three commercial pre-sintered yttria-stabilized dental zirconia materials were sintered at three temperatures (1450 degrees C, 1550 degrees C and 1650 degrees C) applying three dwell times (1, 2 and 4 h). Grain size measurements and LTD tests were performed on polished sample surfaces. LTD tests were performed at 134 degrees C in an autoclave. The amount of monoclinic ZrO2 on the exposed surface was measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results. Higher sintering temperatures and elongated dwell times increased the ZrO2 grain size. Simultaneously, a larger fraction of zirconia grains adopted a cubic crystal structure, resulting in a decreased yttria content in the remaining tetragonal grains. Both the larger grain sizes and the lower average stabilizer content made the tetragonal grains more susceptible to LTD. Overall, independent on the commercial dental zirconia grade tested, the specimens sintered at 1450 degrees C for 1 h combined good mechanical properties with the best resistance to LTD. Significance. In general, increased sintering temperatures and times result in a higher sensitivity to low-temperature degradation of Y-TZP ceramics. (C) 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.