Flexural strength and fracture toughness of dental core ceramics

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Many different strengthened all-ceramic core materials are available. In vitro study of their mechanical properties, such as flexural strength and fracture toughness, is necessary before they are used clinically. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of 6 commonly used all-ceramic core materials using biaxial flexural strength and indentation fracture toughness tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens of 6 ceramic core materials (Finesse, Cergo, IPS Empress, In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Cercon Zirconia) were fabricated (n=25) with a diameter of 15 mm and width of 1.2 +/- 0.2 mm. For each group, the specimens were tested to compare their biaxial flexural strength (piston on 3 balls) (n=15), Weibull modulus, and indentation fracture toughness (n=10) (IF method). The data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA test (a=.05). The Tamhane multiple comparison test was used for post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Mean (SD) of biaxial flexural strength values (MPa) and Weibull modulus (m) results were: Finesse (F): 88.04 (31.61), m=3.17; Cergo (C): 94.97 (13.62), m=7.94; IPS Empress (E): 101.18 (13.49), m=10.13; In-Ceram Alumina (ICA): 341.80 (61.13), m=6.96; In-Ceram Zirconia (ICZ): 541.80 (61.10), m=10.17; and Cercon Zirconia (CZ): 1140.89 (121.33), m=13.26. The indentation fracture toughness results showed that there were significant differences between the tested ceramics. The highest fracture toughness values (MPa x m(0.5)) were obtained with the zirconia-based ceramic core materials. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were found in strength and toughness values of the materials evaluated. Cercon Zirconia core material showed high values of biaxial flexural strength and indentation fracture toughness when compared to the other ceramics studied.     

牙科氧化锆陶瓷的低温时效性能研究

目的 研究时效对5种牙科氧化锆陶瓷结构稳定性的影响.方法 5种氧化锆预烧结块(A组:TZ-3YS;B组:Vita In-Ceram YZ;C组:Ivoclar;D组:Cercon Smart;E组:Kavo)各切取15 mm×15 mm×1.5 mm氧化锆试件18片,常压致密烧结.时效处理如下:置于高温高压消毒炉中进行循环热处理,条件是134℃,0.2 MPa压力,维持时间为0h、1h、2h、3h、4 h、5h.X射线衍射分析(X-ray diffraction,XRD)试件的晶相结构,计算试件表面单斜相(m相)的相对含量.原子力显微镜观察A组和D组时效1、4 h的抛光试件.A组氧化锆再制备25 mm×4 mm×1.2 mm的试件30根,均分为未退火组(时效前)、退火组(时效前)和时效组(时效后),测试试件的三点弯曲强度.结果 除D组试件外,A、B、C、E组试件的m相含量均随时效时间的延长而增加,A组试件的m相含量最高,E组次之,B组和C组相近.XRD未检测到D组试件表面有m相,但使用原子力显微镜可观察到D组试件有m相晶核的成核和生长.时效前后A组试件的三点弯曲强度未衰减,未退火组试件三点弯曲强度[(1301±169)MPa]显著高于退火组[(1120±185)MPa]和时效组[(1158±111)MPa],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);而退火组与时效组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 牙科氧化锆陶瓷的低温时效效应具有时间依赖性,但时效效应并未使TZ-3YS的三点弯曲强度降低.     

Radiopacity of zirconia-based all-ceramic crown systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of the core and veneer ceramics in four zirconia-based crown systems: In-Ceram Zirconia, In-Ceram YZ, Procera Zirconia, and Cercon. Two-millimeter-thick restoration slices were prepared and digitally radiographed alongside an aluminum stepwedge. The grayscale data were converted into millimeters of aluminum by an image analysis program. The two-way analysis of variance test detected significant differences with respect to all-ceramic system, layer ceramic, and the interaction of the two factors (P = .0001). All materials presented radiopacity values above the minimum recommended by the International Organization for Standardization.     

Relative translucency of six all-ceramic systems. Part I: core materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: All-ceramic restorations have been advocated for superior esthetics. Various materials have been used to improve ceramic core strength, but it is unclear whether they affect the opacity of all-ceramic systems. PURPOSE: This study compared the translucency of 6 all-ceramic system core materials at clinically appropriate thicknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disc specimens 13 mm in diameter and 0.49 +/- 0.01 mm in thickness were fabricated from the following materials (n = 5 per group): IPS Empress dentin, IPS Empress 2 dentin, In-Ceram Alumina core, In-Ceram Spinell core, In-Ceram Zirconia core, and Procera AllCeram core. Empress and Empress 2 dentin specimens also were fabricated and tested at a thickness of 0.77 +/- 0.02 mm (the manufacturer's recommended core thickness is 0.8 mm). A high-noble metal-ceramic alloy (Porc. 52 SF) served as the control, and Vitadur Alpha opaque dentin was used as a standard. Sample reflectance (ratio of the intensity of reflected light to that of the incident light) was measured with an integrating sphere attached to a spectrophotometer across the visible spectrum (380 to 700 nm); 0-degree illumination and diffuse viewing geometry were used. Contrast ratios were calculated from the luminous reflectance (Y) of the specimens with a black (Yb) and a white (Yw) backing to give Yb/Yw with CIE illuminant D65 and a 2-degree observer function (0.0 = transparent, 1.0 = opaque). One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple-comparison test were used to analyze the data (P<.05). RESULTS: Contrast ratios in order of most translucent to most opaque were as follows: Vitadur Alpha 0.60 +/- 0.03, Empress (0.5 mm) 0.64 +/- 0.01, In-Ceram Spinell 0.67 +/- 0.02, Empress 2 (0.5 mm) 0.68 +/- 0.02, Empress (0.8 mm) 0.72 +/- 0.01, Procera 0.72 +/- 0.01, Empress 2 (0.8 mm) 0.74 +/- 0.01, In-Ceram Alumina 0.87 +/- 0.01, In-Ceram Zirconia 1.00 +/- 0.01, and 52 SF alloy 1.00 +/- 0.00. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, there was a range of ceramic core translucency at clinically relevant core thicknesses. In order of decreasing translucency, the ranges were Vitadur Alpha dentin (standard) > In-Ceram Spinell > Empress, Procera, Empress 2 > In-Ceram Alumina > In-Ceram Zirconia, 52 SF alloy.     

四种全瓷修复材料的透光度比较

目的采用全瓷试样,对四种全瓷材料进行透光度测试,为全瓷修复的临床应用提供参考依据。方法选择四种全瓷材料：IPS Empress 2、VITA In-Ceram AIumina、VITA In-Ceram Zirconia及CerconZircinia。每种材料各做出厚为（0.5±0.05）mm,直径为14mm之试样8片（n=8）,使用色度计进行试样之透光度测试。结果透光度由高至低依序为Em2 0.5mm（0.78）、InA 0.5mm（0.94）、InZ 0.5mm（1.0）、Cer 0.5mm（1.0）。结论 IPS Empress 2为透光性最佳,适用于高度美观需求之前牙。VITA In-Ceram Alumina透光度偏低,而VITA In-Ceram Zirconia、Cercon均不透光,此二种烤瓷材料临床上宜应用于美观需求不高之后牙区。     

Effect of etching and airborne particle abrasion on the microstructure of different dental ceramics

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The ceramic composition and microstructure surface of all-ceramic restorations are important components of an effective bonding substrate. Both hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion produce irregular surfaces necessary for micromechanical bonding. Although surface treatments of feldspathic and leucite porcelains have been studied previously, the high alumina-containing and lithium disilicate ceramics have not been fully investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the surface topography of 6 different ceramics after treatment with either hydrofluoric acid etching or airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five copings each of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2 (0.8 mm thick), Cergogold (0.7 mm thick), In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera (0.8 mm thick) were fabricated following the manufacturer's instructions. Each coping was longitudinally sectioned into 4 equal parts by a diamond disk. The resulting sections were then randomly divided into 3 groups depending on subsequent surface treatments: Group 1, specimens without additional surface treatments, as received from the laboratory (control); Group 2, specimens treated by use of airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide; and Group 3, specimens treated with 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (20 seconds for IPS Empress 2; 60 seconds for IPS Empress and Cergogold; and 2 minutes for In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera). RESULTS: Airborne particle abrasion changed the morphologic surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. The surface topography of these ceramics exhibited shallow irregularities not evident in the control group. For Procera, the 50-microm aluminum oxide airborne particle abrasion produced a flattened surface. Airborne particle abrasion of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia did not change the morphologic characteristics and the same shallows pits found in the control group remained. For IPS Empress 2, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching produced elongated crystals scattered with shallow irregularities. For IPS Empress and Cergogold, the morphologic characteristic was honeycomb-like on the ceramic surface. The surface treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their superficial structure. CONCLUSION: Hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide increased the irregularities on the surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. Similar treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their morphologic microstructure.     

Flexural Strength of Glass-Infiltrated Zirconia/Alumina-Based Ceramics and Feldspathic Veneering Porcelains

Purpose: To compare the flexural strength of two glass-infiltrated high-strength ceramics and two veneering glass-ceramics.
Materials and Methods: Four ceramic materials were tested: two glass-infiltrated high-strength ceramics used as framework in metal-free restorations [In-Ceram Zirconia IZ (Gr1) and In-Ceram Alumina IA (Gr2)], and two glass-ceramics used as veneering material in metal-free restorations [Vita VM7 (Gr3) and Vitadur-α (Gr4)]. Bar specimens (25 × 5 × 2 mm³) made from core ceramics, alumina, and zirconia/alumina composites were prepared and applied to a silicone mold, which rested on a base from a gypsum die material. The IZ and IA specimens were partially sintered in an In-Ceram furnace according to the firing cycle of each material, and then were infiltrated with a low-viscosity glass to yield bar specimens of high density and strength. The Vita VM7 and Vitadur-α specimens were made from veneering materials, by vibration of slurry porcelain powder and condensation into a two-part brass Teflon matrix (25 × 5 × 2 mm³). Excess water was removed with absorbent paper. The veneering ceramic specimens were then removed from the matrix and were fired as recommended by the manufacturer. Another ceramic application and sintering were performed to compensate the contraction of the feldspar ceramic. The bar specimens were then tested in a three-point bending test.
Results: The core materials (Gr1: 436.1 ± 54.8; Gr2: 419.4 ± 83.8) presented significantly higher flexural strength (MPa) than the veneer ceramics (Gr3: 63.5 ± 9.9; Gr4: 57.8 ± 12.7).
Conclusion: In-Ceram Alumina and Zirconia were similar statistically and more resistant than VM7 and Vitadur-α.     

Comparison of two bond strength testing methodologies for bilayered all-ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the shear bond strength (SBS) and microtensile (MTBS) testing methodologies for core and veneering ceramics in four types of all-ceramic systems. METHODS: Four different ceramic veneer/core combinations, three of which were feldspathic and the other a fluor-apatite to their respectively corresponding cores, namely leucite-reinforced ceramic ((IPS)Empress, Ivoclar), low leucite-reinforced ceramic (Finesse, Ceramco), glass-infiltrated alumina (In-Ceram Alumina, Vita) and lithium disilicate ((IPS)Empress 2, Ivoclar) were used for SBS and MTBS tests. Ceramic cores (N=40, n=10/group for SBS test method, N=5 blocks/group for MTBS test method) were fabricated according to the manufacturers' instructions (for SBS: thickness, 3mm; diameter, 5mm and for MTBS: 10 mm x 10 mm x 2 mm) and ultrasonically cleaned. The veneering ceramics (thickness: 2mm) were vibrated and condensed in stainless steel moulds and fired onto the core ceramic materials. After trying the specimens in the mould for minor adjustments, they were again ultrasonically cleaned and embedded in PMMA. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 1 week and bond strength tests were performed in universal testing machines (cross-head speed: 1mm/min). The bond strengths (MPa+/-S.D.) and modes of failures were recorded. RESULTS: Significant difference between the two test methods and all-ceramic types were observed (P<0.05) (2-way ANOVA, Tukey's test and Bonferroni). The mean SBS values for veneering ceramic to lithium disilicate was significantly higher (41+/-8 MPa) than those to low leucite (28+/-4 MPa), glass-infiltrated (26+/-4 MPa) and leucite-reinforced (23+/-3 MPa) ceramics, while the mean MTBS for low leucite ceramic was significantly higher (15+/-2 MPa) than those of leucite (12+/-2 MPa), glass-infiltrated (9+/-1 MPa) and lithium disilicate ceramic (9+/-1 MPa) (ANOVA, P<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Both the testing methodology and the differences in chemical compositions of the core and veneering ceramics influenced the bond strength between the core and veneering ceramic in bilayered all-ceramic systems.     

Mechanical properties of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia

PURPOSE: This study compared the mechanical properties of In-Ceram Zirconia and In-Ceram Alumina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-four disks and six bars were prepared with the slip-casting technique. The disks were used to assess biaxial flexural strength (piston on three ball), Weibull modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness with two methods: indentation fracture and indentation strength. The bars were used to measure elastic moduli (Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio). X-ray diffraction analysis of the specimens was carried out upon every step of the specimen preparation and of the fractured surfaces. RESULTS: Mean biaxial flexure strengths of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia were 600 MPa (SD 60) and 620 MPa (SD 61), respectively. Mean fracture toughness measured according to indentation strength was 3.2 MPa.m1/2 (SD 0.34) for in-Ceram Alumina and 4.0 MPa.m1/2 (SD 0.43) for In-Ceram Zirconia. Mean fracture toughnesses of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia measured according to indentation fracture were 2.7 MPa.m1/2 (SD 0.34) and 3.0 MPa.m1/2 (SD 0.48), respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that little phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic occurred when the specimens were fractured, supporting the existence of a modest difference of fracture toughness between the two ceramics. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was found in strength. In-Ceram Zirconia was tougher (P < .01) than In-Ceram Alumina when tested according to indentation strength. However, no significant difference was found in the fracture toughness when tested with the indentation fracture technique.     

Effect of the microstructure on the lifetime of dental ceramics

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of the microstructure on the Weibull and slow crack growth (SCG) parameters and on the lifetime of three ceramics used as framework materials for fixed partial dentures (FPDs) (YZ - Vita In-Ceram YZ; IZ - Vita In-Ceram Zirconia; AL - Vita In-Ceram AL) and of two veneering porcelains (VM7 and VM9).

Methods

Bar-shaped specimens were fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Specimens were tested in three-point flexure in 37 °C artificial saliva. Weibull analysis (n = 30) and a constant stress-rate test (n = 10) were used to determine the Weibull modulus (m) and SCG coefficient (n), respectively. Microstructural and fractographic analyzes were performed using SEM. ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05) were used to statistically analyze data obtained with both microstructural and fractographic analyzes.

Results

YZ and AL presented high crystalline content and low porosity (0.1-0.2%). YZ had the highest characteristic strength (σ₀) value (911 MPa) followed by AL (488 MPa) and IZ (423 MPa). Lower σ₀ values were observed for the porcelains (68-75 MPa). Except for IZ and VM7, m values were similar among the ceramic materials. Higher n values were found for YZ (76) and AL (72), followed by IZ (54) and the veneering materials (36-44). Lifetime predictions showed that YZ was the material with the best mechanical performance. The size of the critical flaw was similar among the framework materials (34-48 μm) and among the porcelains (75-86 μm).

Significance

The microstructure influenced the mechanical and SCG behavior of the studied materials and, consequently, the lifetime predictions.     

Flexural strength and failure modes of layered ceramic structures

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the specimen design on the flexural strength (σ_f) and failure mode of ceramic structures, testing the hypothesis that the ceramic material under tension controls the mechanical performance of the structure.

Methods

Three ceramics used as framework materials for fixed partial dentures (YZ – Vita In-Ceram YZ; IZ – Vita In-Ceram Zirconia; AL – Vita In-Ceram AL) and two veneering porcelains (VM7 and VM9) were studied. Bar-shaped specimens were produced in three different designs (n = 10): monolithic, two layers (porcelain-framework) and three layers (TRI) (porcelain-framework-porcelain). Specimens were tested for three-point flexural strength at 1 MPa/s in 37 °C artificial saliva. For bi-layered design, the specimens were tested in both conditions: with porcelain (PT) or framework ceramic (FT) layer under tension. Fracture surfaces were analyzed using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Young's modulus (E) and Poisson's ratio (ν) were determined using ultrasonic pulse-echo method. Results were statistically analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Student–Newman–Keuls tests.

Results

Except for VM7 and VM9, significant differences were observed for E values among the materials. YZ showed the highest ν value followed by IZ and AL. YZ presented the highest σ_f. There was no statistical difference in the σ_f value between IZ and IZ-FT and between AL and AL-FT. σ_f values for YZ-PT, IZ-PT, IZ-TRI, AL-PT, AL-TRI were similar to the results obtained for VM7 and VM9. Two types of fracture mode were identified: total and partial failure.

Significance

The mechanical performance of the specimens was determined by the material under tension during testing, confirming the study hypothesis.     

Microtensile bond strength of a resin cement to glass infiltrated zirconia-reinforced ceramic: the effect of surface conditioning.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of three surface conditioning methods on the microtensile bond strength of resin cement to a glass-infiltrated zirconia-reinforced alumina-based core ceramic. METHODS: Thirty blocks (5 x 5 x 4 mm) of In-Ceram Zirconia ceramics (In-Ceram Zirconia-INC-ZR, VITA) were fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions and duplicated in resin composite. The specimens were polished and assigned to one of the following three treatment conditions (n=10): (1) Airborne particle abrasion with 110 microm Al(2)O(3) particles + silanization, (2) Silica coating with 110 microm SiO(x) particles (Rocatec Pre and Plus, 3M ESPE) + silanization, (3) Silica coating with 30 microm SiO(x) particles (CoJet, 3M ESPE) + silanization. The ceramic-composite blocks were cemented with the resin cement (Panavia F) and stored at 37 degrees C in distilled water for 7 days prior to bond tests. The blocks were cut under coolant water to produce bar specimens with a bonding area of approximately 0.6mm(2). The bond strength tests were performed in a universal testing machine (cross-head speed: 1mm/min). The mean bond strengths of the specimens of each block were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha相似文献   

Resistance to staining, flexural strength, and chemical solubility of core porcelains for all-ceramic crowns

PURPOSE: The increased demand for tooth-colored restorations has prompted the use of ceramics in areas that are subject to masticatory stresses. To maximize the strength of these restorations, manufacturers and clinicians advocate placement of core materials in lieu of veneering materials in areas that are more susceptible to fracture. The objectives of this study were to determine the: resistance to staining of three core porcelains used for all-ceramic restorations, Procera, IPS Empress, and In-Ceram, through the use of colorimetry and visual observation; flexural strength of these porcelains under a three-point bend test; and chemical solubility in a controlled environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: L*a*b* values were obtained for each specimen before and after immersion in a saturated solution of methylene blue in ethanol for 24 hours. Visual observation was also performed to ascertain color differences before and after staining. A three-point bend test was used to determine flexural strength. A reflux-condenser type, three-piece extraction apparatus was used with 4% acetic acid solution for 16 hours to determine solubility. Each sample was weighed before and after the reflux procedure to ascertain percentage weight loss. RESULTS: The mean delta E obtained for IPS Empress was 14.5; In-Ceram was 9.2, and Procera was 9.0. Flexural strength obtained for IPS Empress, In-Ceram, and Procera was 176.9 MPa, 323.4 MPa, and 464.3 MPa, respectively. Weight loss of IPS Empress, In-Ceram, and Procera was 0.056%, 0.734%, and 0.003%, respectively. CONCLUSION: IPS Empress showed the least resistance to staining. IPS Empress had the lowest flexural strength, while Procera had the highest. In-Ceram demonstrated the highest chemical solubility.     

Biaxial flexural strength of bilayered zirconia using various veneering ceramics

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of one zirconia-based ceramic used with various veneering ceramics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Zirconia core material (Katana) and five veneering ceramics (Cerabien ZR; CZR, Lava Ceram; LV, Cercon Ceram Kiss; CC, IPS e.max Ceram; EM and VITA VM9; VT) were selected. Using the powder/liquid layering technique, bilayered disk specimens (diameter: 12.50 mm, thickness: 1.50 mm) were prepared to follow ISO standard 6872:2008 into five groups according to veneering ceramics as follows; Katana zirconia veneering with CZR (K/CZR), Katana zirconia veneering with LV (K/LV), Katana zirconia veneering with CC (K/CC), Katana zirconia veneering with EM (K/EM) and Katana zirconia veneering with VT (K/VT). After 20,000 thermocycling, load tests were conducted using a universal testing machine (Instron). The BFS were calculated and analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD (α=0.05). The Weibull analysis was performed for reliability of strength. The mode of fracture and fractured surface were observed by SEM.

RESULTS

It showed that K/CC had significantly the highest BFS, followed by K/LV. BFS of K/CZR, K/EM and K/VT were not significantly different from each other, but were significantly lower than the other two groups. Weibull distribution reported the same trend of reliability as the BFS results.

CONCLUSION

From the result of this study, the BFS of the bilayered zirconia/veneer composite did not only depend on the Young''s modulus value of the materials. Further studies regarding interfacial strength and sintering factors are necessary to achieve the optimal strength.     

The effect of low temperature aging on the mechanical property & phase stability of Y-TZP ceramics

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Recently Yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) has been introduced due to superior flexural strength and fracture toughness compared to other dental ceramic systems. Although zirconia has outstanding mechanical properties, the phenomenon of decrease in the life-time of zirconia resulted from degradation in flexural strength after low temperature aging has been reported.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate degradation of flexural strength of Y-TZP ceramics after various low temperature aging treatments and to evaluate the phase stability and micro-structural change after aging by using X-ray diffraction analysis and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Y-TZP blocks of Vita In-Ceram YZ (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) were prepared in 40 mm (length) × 4 mm (width) × 3 mm (height) samples. Specimens were artificially aged in distilled water by heat-treatment at a temperature of 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, and 225℃ for 10 hours, in order to induce the phase transformation at the surface. To measure the mechanical property, the specimens were subjected to a four-point bending test using a universal testing machine (Instron model 3365; Instron, Canton, Mass, USA). In addition, X-ray diffraction analysis (DMAX 2500; Rigaku, Tokyo, Japan) and SEM (Hitachi s4700; Jeol Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) were performed to estimate the phase transformation. The statistical analysis was done using SAS 9.1.3 (SAS institute, USA). The flexural strength data of the experimental groups were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and to detect statistically significant differences (α= .05).

RESULTS

The mean flexural strength of sintered Vita In-Ceram YZ without autoclaving was 798 MPa. When applied aging temperature at below 125℃ for 10 hours, the flexural strength of Vita In-Ceram YZ increased up to 1,161 MPa. However, at above 150℃, the flexural strength started to decrease. Although low temperature aging caused the tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation related to temperature, the minimum flexural strength was above 700 MPa.

CONCLUSION

The monoclinic phase started to appear after aging treatment above 100℃. With the higher aging temperature, the fraction of monoclinic phase increased. The ratio of monoclinic/tetragonal + monoclinic phase reached a plateau value, circa 75% above 175℃. The point of monoclinic concentration at which the flexural strength begins to decrease was between 12% and 54%.     

The influence of internal surface treatments on tensile bond strength for two ceramic systems

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The ceramic composition and surface microstructure of all-ceramic restorations are important components of an effective bonding substrate. Hydrofluoric acid and sandblasting are well-known procedures for surface treatment; however, surface treatment for high alumina-containing and lithium disilicate ceramics have not been fully investigated. PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the tensile bond strength of resin cement to two types of ceramic systems with different surface treatments. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty specimens of each ceramic system were made according to the manufacturer's instructions and embedded in polyester resin. Specimens of In-Ceram Alumina [I] and IPS Empress 2 [E] were distributed to three groups with differing surface treatments (n = 10): sandblasting with 50 microm aluminum oxide (APA); sandblasting with 110 microm aluminum oxide modified with silica particles (ROCATEC System-RS); a combination of sandblasting with APA and 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (HA) for two minutes on In-Ceram and for 20 seconds for IPS Empress 2. After the respective surface treatments, all the specimens were silanated, and Rely-X resin cement was injected onto the ceramic surface and light polymerized. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and thermally cycled 1,100 times (5 degrees C/55 degrees C). The tensile bond strength test was performed in a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/minute crosshead speed. RESULTS: The mean bond strength values (MPa) for IPS Empress 2 were 12.01 +/- 5.93 (EAPA), 10.34 +/- 1.77 (ERS) and 14.49 +/- 3.04 (EHA). The mean bond strength values for In-Ceram Alumina were 9.87 +/- 2.40 (IAPA) and 20.40 +/- 6.27 (IRS). All In-Ceram specimens treated with 10% hydrofluoric acid failed during thermal cycling. CONCLUSION: The Rocatec system was the most effective surface treatment for In-Ceram Alumina ceramics; whereas, the combination of aluminum oxide sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid etching for 20 seconds worked more effectively for Empress 2 ceramics.     

Effect of mechanical cycling on the flexural strength of densely sintered ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical cycling on the biaxial flexural strength of two densely sintered ceramic materials. METHODS: Disc shaped zirconia (In-Ceram Zirconia) and high alumina (Procera AllCeram) ceramic specimens (diameter: 15 mm and thickness: 1.2 mm) were fabricated according to the manufacturers' instructions. The specimens from each ceramic material (N=40, n=10/per group) were tested for flexural strength either with or without being subjected to mechanical cycling (20,000 cycles under 50 N load, immersion in distilled water at 37 degrees C) in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: High alumina ceramic specimens revealed significantly higher flexural strength values without and with mechanical cycling (647+/-48 and 630+/-43 MPa, respectively) than those of zirconia ceramic (497+/-35 and 458+/-53 MPa, respectively) (p<0.05). Mechanical cycling for 20,000 times under 50 N decreased the flexural strength values for both high alumina and zirconia ceramic but it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: High alumina ceramic revealed significantly higher mean flexural strength values than that of zirconia ceramic tested in this study either with or without mechanical cycling conditions.     

The biaxial flexural strength of two pressable ceramic systems

The biaxial flexural strength of Optimal pressable ceramics and IPS Empress pressable ceramics were tested, compared and the micro-structures and compositions explored. The materials evaluated were Optimal shaded (Opcs) and unshaded (Opcus) ceramics and IPS Empress shaded (Ems) and unshaded (Emus) ceramics. Twenty-one disc specimens per material were prepared, heat-treated and tested. The piston on three-ball test ASTM F394-78 (1991) was used to test the specimens in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.15 mm/min. Specimens were viewed in a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction used to determine the phases present. Mean strengths (MPa +/- SD) were: Ems 120.1 +/- 20.5, Emus 135.8 +/- 16.0, Opcs 139.1 +/- 14.3 and Opcus 138.0 +/- 11.5. There was no statistically significant difference between Optimal shaded, Optimal unshaded and Empress unshaded strength values (p > 0.05). Empress shaded strength values were significantly lower than the other materials tested (p < 0.05). Weibull analysis provided m values: Ems 6.1, Emus 10.2, Opcs 12.8 and Opcus 13.9 and 1% and 5% probabilities of failure. Secondary electron imaging revealed a dense dispersal of leucite crystals in the glassy matrix of the Optimal ceramics of an average size 5.5 +/- 9.7 micron 2 for the Optimal shaded ceramic and 6.6 +/- 13.3 micron 2 for the Optimal unshaded ceramic. Leucite crystal agglomerates were evident for the Empress shaded material and a uniform distribution of fine leucite crystals (1.9 +/- 1.8 micron 2) for the Empress unshaded ceramic. Crystal and matrix microcracking were present in most of the material microstructures, together with porosity and tabular alumina platelets in the Optimal ceramics. X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of tetragonal leucite and small amounts of cubic leucite. Optimal ceramics and Empress unshaded ceramic provided higher strength and Weibull m values compared with Empress shaded ceramic. Inherent material defects were characterised and cubic leucite was identified.     

Effect of surface treatments on the resin bond to zirconium-based ceramic

PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that the tribochemical silica coating on ceramic surfaces increases the bond strength of resin cement to a glass-infiltrated zirconium-based ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen blocks of In-Ceram Zirconia from CEREC InLab (5 per group) and 15 composite blocks (Z-250) 5 mm x 5 mm x 4 mm were made. The ceramic surfaces were polished, and the blocks were divided into three groups: (1) airborne abrasion with 110-microm aluminum oxide particles; (2) Rocatec system, tribochemical silica coating; and (3) CoJet system, tribochemical silica coating. The ceramic blocks were cemented to the composite blocks using Panavia F according to the manufacturer's specifications. All samples were stored in 37 degrees C distilled water for 7 days and later sectioned in two axes using a diamond disk under cooling to obtain specimens with a cross-sectional area of approximately 1 mm2 (n = 45). Each specimen was then attached with cyanoacrylate glue to an adapted device for the microtensile test, which was carried out on a universal testing machine. RESULTS: The results were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test. Group 2 (23.0+/-6.7 MPa) and group 3 (26.8+/-7.4 MPa) showed greater bond strength than group 1 (15.1+/-5.3 MPa). There was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3. All failures were in the adhesive zone. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis was confirmed--the tribochemical systems increased the bond strength between Panavia F and In-Ceram Zirconia.