Stability of 3Y-TZP nano zirconia powder after hydrothermal ageing treatment

Abstract

Yttria-stabilised zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramics are widely used for dental and prosthesis applications; however, they are susceptible to low-temperature degradation (LTD). Despite several explanations of the LTD mechanism, it is not fully understood yet. Commercial TZ-3Y-E grade powder was used to further study the LTD before sintering it. Hydrothermal ageing treatment was applied to samples at 134°C for 5 h. STA analysis confirmed that the powder is binderfree. SEM and XRD analyses show homogeneous particle size and tetragonal as a major phase and monoclinic as a minor phase, respectively. BET method analysis shows a slight change in the pore size, pore volume and surface area of the powder samples, before and after heating at 400°C. Particle size distribution (SD) calculated from SEM images shows ∼ 40-50 nm particle size range of the powders. The results show that LTD was not observed in the powder after hydrothermal ageing treatment.

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“…In addition, the hydrothermal aging of zirconia can transform the crystal structure from a more stable tetragonal phase to a less stable monoclinic phase [19]. This phase transformation can cause surface roughening, micro-cracking, and overall degradation, potentially leading to implant failure [20]. These structural changes due to hydrothermal aging compromise the mechanical integrity of zirconia-based implants, affecting their performance [21,22].…”