Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The effect of zirconia sintering temperature on flexural strength, grain size, and contrast ratio

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Clinical Oral Investigations Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

This study investigated the effect of sintering temperatures on flexural strength, contrast ratio, and grain size of zirconia.

Materials and Methods

Zirconia specimens (Ceramill ZI, Amann Girrbach) were prepared in partially sintered state. Subsequently, the specimens were randomly divided into nine groups and sintered with different final sintering temperatures: 1,300°C, 1,350°C, 1,400°C, 1,450°C, 1,500°C, 1,550°C, 1,600°C, 1,650°C, or 1,700°C with 120 min holding time. Three-point flexural strength (N = 198; n = 22 per group) was measured according to ISO 6872: 2008. The contrast ratio (N = 90; n = 10 per group) was measured according to ISO 2471: 2008. Grain sizes and microstructure of different groups were investigated (N = 9, n = 1 per group) with scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Scheffé test and Weibull statistics (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between either flexural strength or contrast ratio and sintering temperatures.

Results

The highest flexural strength was observed in groups sintered between 1,400°C and 1,550°C. The highest Weibull moduli were obtained for zirconia sintered at 1,400°C and the lowest at 1,700°C. The contrast ratio and the grain size were higher with the higher sintering temperature. The microstructure of the specimens sintered above 1,650°C exhibited defects. Sintering temperatures showed a significant negative correlation with both the flexural strength (r = −0.313, p < 0.001) and the contrast ratio values (r = −0.96, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that the increase in sintering temperature increased the contrast ratio, but led to a negative impact on the flexural strength.

Clinical Relevance

Considering the flexural strength values and Weibull moduli, the sintering temperature for the zirconia tested in this study should not exceed 1,550°C.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Hannink RHJ, Kelly PM, Muddle BC (2000) Transformation toughening in zirconia-containing ceramics. J Am Ceram Soc 83:461–487

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Fischer J, Stawarczyk B (2007) Compatibility of machined Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite and a veneering ceramic. Dent Mater 23:1500–1505

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Aboushelib MN, Feilzer CJ, Feilzer AJ (2008) Evaluation of a high fracture toughness composite ceramic for dental applications. J Prosthodont 17:538–544

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Vult von Steyern PV, Carlson P, Nilner K (2005) All-ceramic fixed partial dentures designed according to the DC-Zircon technique. A 2-year clinical study. J Oral Rehabil 32:180–187

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Raigrodski AJ, Chiche GJ, Potiket N, Hochstedler JL, Mohamed SE, Billiot S, Mercante DE (2006) The efficacy of posterior three-unit zirconium-oxide-based ceramic fixed partial dental prostheses: a prospective clinical pilot study. J Prosthet Dent 96:237–244

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Sailer I, Fehér A, Filser F, Gauckler LJ, Lüthy H, Hämmerle CH (2007) Five-year clinical results of zirconia frameworks for posterior fixed partial dentures. Int J Prosthodont 20:383–388

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Edelhoff D, Florian B, Florian W, Johnen C (2008) HIP zirconia fixed partial dentures—clinical results after 3 years of clinical service. Quintessence Int 39:459–471

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Schmitt J, Holst S, Wichmann M, Reich S, Gollner M, Hamel J (2009) Zirconia posterior-fixed partial dentures: a prospective clinical 3-year follow-up. Int J Prosthodont 22:597–603

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Heffernan MJ, Aguilino SA, Diaz-Arnold AM, Haselton DR, Stanford CM, Vargas MA (2002) Relative translucency of six all-ceramic systems. Part I: core materials. J Prosthet Dent 88:4–9

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Kelly JR, Nishimura I, Campbell SD (1996) Ceramics in dentistry: historical roots and current perspectives. J Prosthet Dent 75:18–32

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Chen YM, Smales RJ, Yip KH, Sung WJ (2008) Translucency and biaxial flexural strength of four ceramic core materials. Dent Mater 24:1506–1511

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Tsukuma K, Kubota Y, Tsukidate T (1984) Thermal and mechanical properties of Y2O3-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals. In: Clausen N, Ruehle M, Heuer AH (eds) Science and technology of zirconia II. The American Ceramic Society, Columbus, OH, pp 382–390

    Google Scholar 

  13. Matsui K, Yoshida H, Ikuhara Y (2009) Isothermal sintering effect on phase separation and grain growth in yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal. J Am Ceram Soc 92:467–475

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Kisi EH, Howard CJ (1998) Crystal structure of zirconia phases and their inter-relation. Key Eng Mater 153:1–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Lughi V, Sergo V (2010) Low temperature degradation—aging—of zirconia: a critical review of the relevant aspects in dentistry. Dent Mater 26:807–820

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Fassina P, Zaghini N, Bukat A, Piconi C, Greco F, Piantelli S (1992) Yttria and calcia partially stabilized zirconia for biomedical applications. In: Ravagliogli A, Krajewski A (eds) Bioceramics and the human body. Elsevier Applied Science, London and New York, pp 223–229

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  17. Garvie RC, Urbani C, Kennedy DR, McNeuer JC (1984) Biocompatibility of magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (mg-PSZ) ceramics. J Mater Sci 19:3224–3228

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Chevalier J, Deville S, Munch E, Jullian R, Lair F (2004) Critical effect of cubic phase on aging in 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics for hip replacement prosthesis. Biomaterials 25:5539–5545

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Deville S, Gremillard L, Chevalier J, Fantozzi G (2005) A critical comparison of methods for the determination of the aging sensitivity in biomedical grade yttria-stabilized zirconia. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 72:239–245

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Studart AR, Filser F, Kocher P, Gauckler LJ (2007) Fatigue of zirconia under cycling loading in water and its implications for the design of dental bridges. Dent Mater 23:106–114

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Kelly JR, Denry I (2008) Stabilized zirconia as a structural ceramic: an overview. Dent Mater 24:289–298

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Steffen AA, Dauskardt RH, Ritchie RO (1991) Cyclic fatiquelife and crack-growth behavior of microstructurally small cracks in magnesia-partially stabilized zirconia ceramics. J Am Ceram Soc 74:1259–1268

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Heuer AH, Lange FF, Swain MV, Evans AG (1986) Transformation toughening: an overview. J Am Ceram Soc 69;i-iv

  24. Marshall DB (1986) Strength characteristics of transformation-toughened zirconia. J Am Ceram Soc 69:173–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Theunissen GSAM, Bouma JS, Winnubst AJA, Burggraff AJ (1992) Mechanical properties of ultra-fine grained zirconia ceramics. J Mater Sci 1992:4429–4438

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. ISO 6872: 2008 Dentistry—Ceramic materials

  27. ISO 2471: 2008 Paper and board—determination of opacity (paper backing)—Diffuse reflectance method

  28. Chevalier J, Olagnon C, Fantozzi G (1999) Subcritical crack propagation in 3Y-TZP ceramics: static and cyclic fatigue. J Am Ceram Soc 82:3129–3138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Ruiz L, Readey MJ (1996) Effect of heat-treatment on grain size phase assemblage, and mechanical properties of 3 mol% Y-TZP. J Am Ceram Soc 79:2331–2340

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Scott HG (1975) Phase relationships in the zirconia-yttria system. J Mater Sci 10:1527–1535

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Denry I, Kelly JR (2008) State of the art of zirconia for dental applications. Dent Mater 24:299–307

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Amann Girrbach for providing the zirconia blanks.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic of Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics and Dental Material Science, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Plattenstrasse 11, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland

    Bogna Stawarczyk, Mutlu Özcan, Lubica Hallmann & Christoph H. F. Hämmerlet

  2. Clinic of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Plattenstrasse 11, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland

    Andreas Ender & Albert Mehl

Authors
  1. Bogna Stawarczyk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mutlu Özcan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Lubica Hallmann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Andreas Ender
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Albert Mehl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Christoph H. F. Hämmerlet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bogna Stawarczyk.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Stawarczyk, B., Özcan, M., Hallmann, L. et al. The effect of zirconia sintering temperature on flexural strength, grain size, and contrast ratio. Clin Oral Invest 17, 269–274 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-012-0692-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-012-0692-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation