Sintering temperature effects on mechanical properties and antagonist wear of 3 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia

Abstract

3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia is widely used in dental restorations. However, due to its high mechanical properties, there is concern regarding the wear of its antagonist. This study investigated the impact of sintering temperature on the mechanical properties of 3 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) and wear of its antagonist. Samples of 3YSZ were sintered at 1400 °C, 1500 °C, and 1600 °C. The microstructure of the samples was studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and their mechanical properties, including density, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness, were characterized. A wear test was conducted to measure the wear of the 3YSZ antagonist. FESEM results showed that the 3YSZ microstructure sintered at 1600°C was homogeneous, densely packed, and had fewer pores. Furthermore, it also displayed higher relative density, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness. However, the group of 3YSZ sintered at 1600 °C exhibited the highest antagonist wear. A final sintering temperature of 1500 °C resulted in 3YSZ samples with optimal mechanical properties and low antagonist wear.