Microstructural, mechanical, and optical characterization of an experimental aging-resistant zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) composite

Development of ZTA (80% Al2O3/20% ZrO2) pre-sintered blocks for milling in CAD/CAM systems

The present work aims to develop a production method of pre-sintered zirconia-toughened-alumina (ZTA) composite blocks for machining in a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system. The ZTA composite comprised of 80% Al2O3 and 20% ZrO2 was synthesized, uniaxially and isostatically pressed to generate machinable CAD-CAM blocks. Fourteen green-body blocks were prepared and pre-sintered at 1000 °C. After cooling and holder gluing, a stereolithography (STL) file was designed and uploaded to manufacture disk-shaped specimens projected to comply with ISO 6872:2015. Seventy specimens were produced through machining of the blocks, samples were sintered at 1600 °C and two-sided polished. Half of the samples were subjected to accelerated autoclave hydrothermal aging (20h at 134 °C and 2.2 bar). Immediate and aged samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Optical and mechanical properties were assessed by reflectance tests and by biaxial flexural strength test, Vickers indentation and fracture toughness, respectively. Samples produced by machining presented high density and smooth surfaces at SEM evaluation with few microstructural defects. XRD evaluation depicted characteristic peaks of alpha alumina and tetragonal zirconia and autoclave aging had no effect on the crystalline spectra of the composite. Optical and mechanical evaluations demonstrated a high masking ability for the composite and a characteristic strength of 464 MPa and Weibull modulus of 17, with no significant alterations after aging. The milled composite exhibited a hardness of 17.61 GPa and fracture toughness of 5.63 MPa m1/2, which remained unaltered after aging. The synthesis of ZTA blocks for CAD-CAM was successful and allowed for the milling of disk-shaped specimens using the grinding method of the CAD-CAM system. ZTA composite properties were unaffected by hydrothermal autoclave aging and present a promising alternative for the manufacture of infrastructures of fixed dental prostheses.

A comparative study of mechanical properties of yttria stabilized zirconia monolithic and bilayer configuration for dental application

Zirconia multilayer presents promising prospects, but there is scarce information about its microstructural and mechanical characterization. Therefore, this study sought to produce them in-house and to perform their characterization by comprising four groups of specimens to assess the biaxial flexural strength, microhardness, fracture toughness, phase characterization and quantification, fractography, and microstructural features. Weibull analysis was performed to determine the Weibull modulus and characteristic strength. The results showed that bilayers 3YSZ and 5YSZ presented intermediate mechanical properties when compared to 3YSZ and 5YSZ monolithic controls (680 MPa, 464 MPa, 885 MPa, 594 MPa, respectively). Fractographic analysis revealed that the failure origin was not at the interface in the bilayer groups, but residual stress was present between the layers. Hardness and fracture toughness were not affected by the interface.

Indirect restorative systems-A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

The background and clinical understanding of the properties of currently available indirect restorative systems and fabrication methods is, along with manufacturer and evidence-based literature, an important starting point to guide the clinical selection of materials for tooth and/or implant supported reconstructions. Therefore, this review explores most indirect restorative systems available in the market, especially all-ceramic, along with aspects of manufacturing process, clinical survival rates, and esthetic outcomes.

OVERVIEW

Progressive incorporation of new technologies in the dental field and advancements in materials science have enabled the development/improvement of indirect restorative systems and treatment concepts in oral rehabilitation, resulting in reliable and predictable workflows and successful esthetic and functional outcomes. Indirect restorative systems have evolved from metal ceramics and polymers to glass ceramics, polycrystalline ceramics, and resin-matrix ceramics, aiming to improve not only biological and mechanical properties, but especially the optical properties and esthetic quality of the reconstructions, in attempt to mimic natural teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on several clinical research, materials, and patient-related parameters, a decision tree for the selection of indirect restorative materials was suggested to guide clinicians in the rehabilitation process.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The pace of materials development is faster than that of clinical research aimed to support their use. Since no single material provides an ideal solution to every case, professionals must continuously seek information from well designed, long-term clinical trials in order to incorporate or not new materials and technological advancements.

Stability of fatigued and aged ZTA compared to 3Y-TZP and Al2O3 ceramic systems

To evaluate the effect of fatigue and aging on the crystalline content and reliability of a zirconia-toughened-alumina (ZTA) composite compared to its individual counterpart materials (3Y-TZP and Al₂O₃). Thirty-six disc-shaped specimens per group were obtained to comply with ISO 6872:2015. Crystalline content, microstructure and reliability of experimental groups were evaluated in four stages: 1) immediate; 2) aged; 3) fatigued; 4) aged + fatigue. Aging was performed in autoclave and Step-Stress-Accelerated-Life-Testing (SSALT) was performed using three stress profiles. Weibull statistics were used to determine Weibull parameters and life-expectancy. A significant increase in monoclinic phase in 3Y-TZP was observed after aging (19.31%), fatigue (17.88%) and aging + fatigue (55.81%), while ZTA evidenced minimal variation among all conditions (<5.69%). 3Y-TZP presented higher reliability than ZTA at 300 and 500 MPa, and ZTA outperformed Al₂O₃ at the same stress missions. None of the ceramics yielded acceptable reliability at 800 MPa. A higher characteristic strength was observed for 3Y-TZP, followed by ZTA and Al₂O₃. While after aging ZTA and Al₂O₃ remained stable, 3Y-TZP exhibited a significant increase in the characteristic stress. Aging did not affect the reliability of ZTA and Al₂O₃. 3Y-TZP demonstrated an increase in monoclinic content and characteristic strength after aging.

Characterization of ZTA Composite Ceramic/Ti6Al4V Alloy Joints Brazed by AgCu Filler Alloy Reinforced with One-Dimensional Al18B4O33 Single Crystal

Al18B4O33 whiskers were used as a reinforcer to study the effect of one-dimensional single crystal on the quality improvement of ZTA composite ceramic/Ti6Al4V alloy joints brazed by AgCu alloy. The microstructure of the joint with whisker additions was characterized in detail. The effects of brazing temperature on the microstructure and shear strength of the brazed joints were investigated. The results showed that the whiskers reacted with the liquid alloy during the brazing process and continuous (Cu,Al)3Ti3O layers were formed in contact with the residual whiskers. The addition of 2 wt.% Al18B4O33 whiskers into AgCu filler alloy can delay the growth of the (Cu,Al)3Ti3O layer on the ZTA side, and can significantly restrain the growth of the Ti-Cu compound region over a brazing temperature range of 800~875 °C. Because of the one-dimensional reinforcement, the temperature window for obtaining ZTA/Ti6Al4V joints with shear strength values higher than 50 MPa was extended, and the maximum shear strength of the joints reached 56 MPa.

In-vitro tribological study and submodeling finite element technique in analyzing wear of zirconia toughened alumina against alumina with bio-lubricants for hip implants

Tribological study of zirconia toughened alumina against alumina is investigated using ball-on-disk tribometer with different bio-lubricants. Friction and wear coefficients are estimated for these bio-lubricants under four different loading conditions which are equivalent to regular and risky human gait activities. Experiments are carried out for a total sliding distance of 10 km with each bio-lubricant to estimate its friction and wear coefficients. Using submodeling finite element approach, cumulative linear and volumetric wear is estimated with the help of contact pressure. The sesame oil bio-lubricant showed better wear coefficient for risky gait activities and Ringer's solution exhibited minimum wear coefficient for normal walking gait activity. Overall minimum cumulative linear and volumetric wear for 2 million cycles was obtained for Ringer's solution.

Nanoscale physico-mechanical properties of an aging resistant ZTA composite

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the effects of aging on the nanomechanical properties and 3D surface topographical parameters of an experimental Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) composite compared to its respective individual counterpart materials.

METHODS

Disk-shaped specimens comprised of three material groups were processed: 1) ZTA 70/30 (70% alumina reinforced with 30% second-generation 3Y-TZP); 2) Zpex (Second-generation 3Y-TZP), and; 3) Al₂O₃ (High purity Alumina) (n = 10/material, 12 × 1 mm). After synthesis, ceramic powders were pressed, the green-body samples were sintered and polished. Nanoindentation testing was performed to record elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H). Interferometry was utilized to assess 3D surface roughness parameters (S_a, S_q), while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) assessed the crystalline content and microstructure. All tests were performed before and after simulated aging (134°C, 2.2 bar, 20 h). Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed-model and least square difference pos-hoc tests (α = 5%).

RESULTS

XRD spectra indicated increase of monoclinic peaks for Zpex (~18%) relative to ZTA 70/30 (~2.5%) after aging. Additionally, aging did not affect the surface roughness parameters of ZTA 70/30 and Al₂O₃, although a significant increase in S_a was recorded for Zpex following aging (~90 nm) (p < 0.001). Al₂O₃ yielded the highest H and E values (H:21 GPa, E: 254 GPa), followed by ZTA 70/30 (H: 13 GPa, E: 214 GPa) and Zpex (H:11 GPa, E: 167 GPa), all significantly different (p < 0.03).

CONCLUSION

ZTA 70/30 and Al₂O₃ presented high hydrothermal stability with respect to all evaluated variables, where artificial aging significantly increased the monoclinic content and surface roughness of Zpex.

Effects of Aging on the Color and Translucency of Monolithic Translucent Y-TZP Ceramics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vitro Studies

Background

Monolithic restorations made of translucent yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) have become popular over the past few decades. However, whether aging affects the color and translucency of monolithic translucent Y-TZP is unclear.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to evaluate the effects of aging on the color and translucency of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics.

Materials and Methods

This systematic review/meta-analysis was reported according to the PRISMA statement and registered in the OSF registries (https://osf.io/5qjmu). Four databases including Medline via the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases and the Cochrane Library were searched using no publication year and language limits. The last search was executed on November 20, 2020. In vitro studies comparing the translucency and/or color of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics before and after simulated aging were selected. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3, Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) with random-effects models at a significance level of 0.05. A risk-of-bias assessment was also performed for the included studies.

Results

Of the 188 potentially relevant studies, 13 were included in the systematic review. The hydrothermal aging duration ranged from 1 to 100 h at relatively similar temperatures (~134°C). In the general meta-analyses, the aged Y-TZP ceramics exhibited similar translucency parameter (TP), L^∗, and b^∗ values compared with the nonaged controls (P = .73, P = .49, and P = .62, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the aged and nonaged Y-TZP ceramics in the a^∗ value (P = .03; MD = −0.26; 95% CI = −0.51 to − 0.02), favoring the nonaged Y-TZP ceramics. The subgroup analyses showed that the duration of aging contributed to changes in the translucency and color of the Y-TZP ceramics.

Conclusions

The optical properties of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics were stable after hydrothermal aging at 134°C and 0.2 MPa for ≤20 h. Moreover, clinically unacceptable changes in the translucency and color of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics were found after hydrothermal aging for >20 h.