Investigation into the Mechanical Properties of Nanometric Zirconia Dental Ceramics
This study was focused on the testing and assessment of the mechanical properties of nanometric zirconia dental ceramics. The density and the apparent porosity of specimens were tested with the Archimedes drainage method. The length variation of the specimens before and after sintering was measured with a vernier caliper, and the linear contraction was tested. An X-ray diffractometer was used for the specimen phase analysis. SEM was used to observe the section micrograph of the specimens. A universal mechanical testing machine was used to test the three-point flexural strength and the fracture toughness. A microhardness tester was used to test the Vickers hardness of the test specimens. Results indicates that the flexural strength of the test specimens ≥ 890MPa, the fracture toughness ≥6Mpa.m1/2, the Vickers hardness ≥ 1240MPa, the linear contraction ≥ 21%, and the apparent porosity ≥ 0.32%. Fully satisfying the requirements in oral medicine, the ceramic is an ideal material for biological joints and dental prosthesis.