Evaluation of Physical Properties of Zirconia Suspension with Added Silane Coupling Agent for Additive Manufacturing Processes

Abstract

In this study, we have analysed the effects of a silane coupling agent on the volume fraction of zirconia for digital light processing (DLP)-based additive manufacturing processes. Zirconia suspension was prepared by the incorporation of silane-modified zirconia particles (experimental group) or untreated zirconia particles (control group). Furthermore, the control and experimental group were subdivided into three groups based on the volume fraction (52, 54, and 56 vol%) of zirconia particles. The disk-shaped zirconia samples were 3D (three-dimensional) printed using the DLP technique and their physical and mechanical properties were evaluated. The addition of a silane coupling agent to the zirconia samples was found to have influence of about 6% on the hardness and biaxial flexural strength. Moreover, the decrease in minute air gaps inside the zirconia layers significantly increased the material density (visualized from the microstructure analysis). Thus, from this study, it was established that the silane-modified zirconia particles had a positive effect on the physical properties of the zirconia parts.

Use of Biomaterials in 3D Printing as a Solution to Microbial Infections in Arthroplasty and Osseous Reconstruction

“…Zircon dioxide, also known as zirconia , occurs naturally as the mineral baddeleyite [ 227 , 228 ] and has excellent mechanical properties [ 229 ]; it is considered as both the most durable and aesthetically acceptable prosthesis [ 230 , 231 , 232 ]. Its biochemical and physicochemical properties justify its extensive use [ 231 , 233 , 234 ] considering its lack of bioactive properties [ 124 ]; nonetheless, there are some drawbacks associated with its 3D printing uses [ 231 , 235 , 236 , 237 ]. A few of the properties of zirconia, such as its low cytotoxicity and resistance to colonization of bacteria, and also good 3D printability, make this material relevant for review [ 234 , 238 ].…”

Biomaterials Adapted to Vat Photopolymerization in 3D Printing: Characteristics and Medical Applications

“…Despite not being inherently bioactive, zirconia-based structures find extensive use in dentistry [64] thanks to a multitude of crucial properties, including rheological behavior, curing characteristics, biocompatibility, and mechanical and tribological performance [33,65,66]. Factors such as resistance to bacterial colonization, low toxicity, and enhanced fracture strength are essential for the use of zirconia in dental implants [64,67,68]. Unalloyed zirconia is suitable for dental crowns, bridges, implants, and abutments, as well as for teeth repair, as it can resist compressive strengths as high as 2000 Mpa [33,69].…”

“…Notably, its high refractive index (2.1) [74], while advantageous for dental implants in terms of aesthetics, poses challenges in DLP technology reliant on UV light [33]. Furthermore, zirconia's fragility can lead to crack formation in the build, unless it is combined with various slurries [64]. Also to be considered are the different orientations of the prints, with studies showing that orientating the 3D model at 45 degrees exhibited the greatest resistance to indentation fracture [75].…”

Flexural strength, flexural modulus and microhardness of milled vs. fused deposition modeling printed Zirconia; effect of conventional vs. speed sintering

“…3D printing advancement enables the dental laboratory technicians to print polymers, metal and ceramics [10,11]. Recently, zirconia materials were fabricated by 3D printing technologies [12,13].…”