Hydrothermal Aging of ATZ Composites Based on Zirconia Made of Powders with Different Yttria Content

The presented work concerns the development and investigation of three different grades of ZrO₂ materials containing Al₂O₃ particles (ATZ-Alumina Toughened Zirconia ceramics with 2.3–20 vol.% of alumina). The zirconia powders containing 3 mol.% of yttria were synthesized by a precipitation/calcination method and fabricated from two different zirconia powders with different yttria content. Then, the selected ATZ composites (ATZ-B, ATZ-10 and ATZ-20) were prepared by means of conventional mixing, compacting and sintering at 1450 °C for 1.5 h. The phase composition, microstructure, relative density and basic mechanical properties were determined. Uniform microstructures with relative densities over 99% of theoretical density, hardness values between 12.0–13.8 GPa, flexural strength up to 1 GPa and outstanding fracture toughness of 12.7 MPa⋅m^1/2 were obtained. The aging susceptibility of alumina toughened zirconia materials, as a consequence of hydrothermal treatment, was investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of LTD (low temperature degradation) on the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transitions and on the flexural strength of hydrothermally aged specimens. The results were compared to those obtained for commercially available tetragonal zirconia-based materials containing 3 mol.% of yttria. This research shows that ATZ composites that have excellent mechanical properties and sufficient hydrothermal aging resistance can be attained and later used in technical and biomedical applications.     

Evaluation of Tensile Bond Strength between Self-Adhesive Resin Cement and Surface-Pretreated Zirconia

The tensile bond strength between zirconia subjected to different surface-pretreatment methods and methacryloyloxydecyl-dihydrogen-phosphate (MDP)-containing self-adhesive resin cement was evaluated herein. Eighty-eight cylindrical zirconia specimens were randomly divided into the following four groups based on the pretreatment method: (1) no treatment, (2) air abrasion, (3) HNO₃/HF etching, and (4) zirconia-nanoparticle coating. The tensile bond strength of the zirconia–resin-cement complexes was investigated. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were performed at a 95% significance level, and the Weibull modulus was calculated. Fracture patterns were visualized by SEM. The surface roughness of the specimens without resin bonding was evaluated by AFM. The tensile bond strength of the specimens decreased as follows: Groups 3 > 4 > 2 > 1 (28.2 ± 6.6, 26.1 ± 5.7, 16.6 ± 3.3, and 13.9 ± 3.0 MPa, respectively). Groups 3 and 4 had significantly higher tensile bond strengths (p < 0.05) and lower fracture probabilities than those of Groups 1 and 2. They also showed both mixed failure and resin-cement cohesive failure, whereas Groups 1 and 2 showed mixed failure exclusively. The zirconia–resin tensile bond was stronger after HNO₃/HF etching or ZrO₂-nanoparticle coating than after air abrasion or no treatment. The estimated surface roughness decreased as follows: Groups 3 > 4 > 2 > 1. The combination of zirconia pretreated with HNO₃/HF etching or ZrO₂-nanoparticle coating and an MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement can increase the clinical longevity of zirconia restorations by preventing their decementation.     

Mechanical Properties of New Generations of Monolithic,Multi-Layered Zirconia

New monolithic multi-layered zirconia restorations are gaining popularity due to their excellent aesthetic properties. However, current knowledge of these newest multi-layer ceramics in terms of mechanical properties is scarce. Three monolithic, multi-layered zirconia materials (Katana, Kuraray Noritake, Japan) were selected for comparison: High Translucent Multi-layered zirconia (HTML), Super Translucent Multi-layered zirconia (STML) and Ultra Translucent Multi-layered zirconia (UTML). Fifteen specimens per group were cut from pre-sintered blocs in each of the four layers (L1, L2, L3, L4) and in different thicknesses (0.4 mm, 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm). Critical fracture load (Fcf) was recorded in 3-point-bending. Flexural strength (σ) in MPa, Vickers hardness (HV) in N/mm², fracture toughness (K_Ic) in MPa*m1/2, Weibull Modulus (m) and characteristic Weibull strength (σw) in MPa were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA analysis. FS and K_Ic were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for Katana™ HTML (652.85 ± 143.76–887.64 ± 118.95/4.25 ± 0.43–5.01 ± 0.81) in comparison to Katana™ STML (280.17 ± 83.41–435.95 ± 73.58/3.06 ± 0.27–3.84 ± 0.47) and UTML (258.25 ± 109.98–331.26 ± 56.86/2.35 ± 0.31–2.94 ± 0.33), with no significant differences between layers and layer thicknesses. The range of indications should be carefully considered when selecting the type of monolithic zirconia for fabrication of dental restorations, as materials widely differ in mechanical properties.     

Vacuum Brazing of C/C Composite and TiAl Intermetallic Alloy Using BNi-2 Brazing Filler Metal

C/C composite was brazed to TiAl intermetallic compound using a commercial BNi-2 brazing filler metal under vacuum brazing condition. The brazing temperature was 1030~1150 °C and the holding time was 20 min. The joint interfacial microstructures and mechanical properties were studied, and the fracture behavior and joining mechanism were also investigated. The effect of brazing temperature on the joint shear strength was explored. The results showed that a perfect interface joint can be obtained by using BNi-2 to braze C/C and TiAl. During brazing, Ti, Cr, and other carbide forming elements diffused to C/C composite side, forming Cr₃C₂, Cr₇C₃, TiC, and other carbides, and realizing metallurgical joining between the brazing filler metal and C/C composite. The microstructure of the interface of C/C composite and TiAl intermetallic compound joint is as follows: TiAl alloy → TiAl + AlNi₃ → AlNi₂Ti → Ni(s, s) + Ti₃Al + Ni₃Si → Ni(s, s) + Ni₃(Si, B) + CrB → Ni(s, s) + Ni₃Si + TiCr₂ → (Ti, Cr)C → C/C composite. When the holding time is fixed, with the increase of brazing temperature, the shear strength of the joint increases first and then decreases. The maximum average room temperature shear strength of the brazed joint was 11.62 MPa, while the brazing temperature was 1060 °C and the holding time was 20 min.     

Effect of Simultaneous Sintering of Bioglass to a Zirconia Core on Properties and Bond Strength

This study aimed to assess bioglass sintering to a zirconia core on surface properties and bonding strength to resin cement. Zirconia specimens were divided into four groups: G I: sintered; G II: bioglass modified zirconia (a bioglass slurry was sintered with zirconia at 1550 °C); G III: sandblasted using 50 μm Al₂O₃ particles; and G IV: Z-prime plus application. Surface morphology and chemical analysis were studied using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Surface roughness was evaluated using a profilometer. Surface hardness was measured using an indentation tester. For the microshear bond strength test, resin cement cylinders were bonded to a zirconia surface. Half of the specimens were tested after 24 h; the other half were thermocycled (5–55 °C) for 1000 cycles. A shearing load was applied at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min on a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with ANOVA using SPSS software at (p < 0.05). Results: tThe mean surface roughness of G II was significantly higher than G I and G III. The microhardness of G II was significantly lower than all groups. For bond strength, there was no significant difference between groups II, III, and IV after thermocycling. Conclusions: Bioactive glass can increase the bond strength of zirconia to resin cement, and is comparable to sandblasting and Z-prime bonding agents.     

Preliminary Study on the Optimization of Femtosecond Laser Treatment on the Surface Morphology of Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramics and Highly Translucent Zirconia Ceramics

All-ceramic restorations have become increasingly popular in dentistry. Toward ensuring that these restorations adhere to the tooth structure, this study determines the optimal femtosecond laser (FL) treatment parameters for lithium disilicate glass-ceramics and highly translucent zirconia ceramics with respect to surface morphology. For both the ceramics, the following surface conditions were investigated: (1) as-sintered; (2) Al₂O₃ sandblasted; (3) FL treatment (dot pattern with line distances of 14, 20, and 40 µm); (4) FL treatment (crossed-line pattern with a line distance of 20 and 40 µm). Surface roughness parameters were estimated using a 3D confocal laser microscope; microstructures were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Peak fluence (F_peak) values of 4 and 8 J/cm² and irradiation numbers (N) of 20 and 10 shots were selected to create dot patterns in highly translucent zirconia and lithium disilicate glass-ceramics, respectively. Furthermore, F_peak = 8 J/cm² and N = 20 shots were chosen to obtain crossed-line patterns in both ceramics. Our results show that lithium disilicate glass-ceramics and highly translucent zirconia exhibit a similar surface morphology under each of the surface treatment conditions. Therefore, FL irradiation of dot or crossed-line patterns (at a distance of 20 and 40 µm) are potential candidates for future investigations.     

Effect of Cement Layer Thickness on the Immediate and Long-Term Bond Strength and Residual Stress between Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic and Human Dentin

This study tested whether three different cement layer thicknesses (60, 120 and 180 μm) would provide the same bonding capacity between adhesively luted lithium disilicate and human dentin. Ceramic blocks were cut to 20 blocks with a low-speed diamond saw under cooling water and were then cemented to human flat dentin with an adhesive protocol. The assembly was sectioned into 1 mm² cross-section beams composed of ceramic/cement/dentin. Cement layer thickness was measured, and three groups were formed. Half of the samples were immediately tested to evaluate the short-term bond strength and the other half were submitted to an aging simulation. The microtensile test was performed in a universal testing machine, and the bond strength (MPa) was calculated. The fractured specimens were examined under stereomicroscopy. Applying the finite element method, the residual stress of polymerization shrinkage according to cement layer thickness was also calculated using first principal stress as analysis criteria. Kruskal–Wallis tests showed that the ‘‘cement layer thickness’’ factor significantly influenced the bond strength results for the aged samples (p = 0.028); however, no statistically significant difference was found between the immediately tested groups (p = 0.569). The higher the cement layer thickness, the higher the residual stress generated at the adhesive interface due to cement polymerization shrinkage. In conclusion, the cement layer thickness does not affect the immediate bond strength in lithium disilicate restorations; however, thinner cement layers are most stable in the short term, showing constant bond strength and lower residual stress.     

Does Preheating Resin Cements Affect Fracture Resistance of Lithium Disilicate and Zirconia Restorations?

This paper assesses the impact of preheating of adhesive cement on the fracture resistance of lithium disilicate and zirconia restorations. Methods: A total of 80 human maxillary premolar teeth were assigned into 8 groups (n = 10) according to material type (either lithium disilicate or zirconia) and type of resin cement (either LinkForce or Panavia SA) with preheating temperature at 54 °C or at room temperature (25 °C). Teeth were prepared and restored with either lithium disilicate or zirconia restorations. After cementation, specimens were thermal cycled (10,000 cycles, 5 °C/55 °C), then load cycled for 240,000 cycles (50 N). Each specimen was statically loaded until fracture and the load (N) at fracture was recorded, then the failure mode was detected. Statistical analysis of data was performed (p ≤ 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference (p = 0.978) in fracture mean values between LinkForce and Panavia SA. Statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) was revealed between fracture resistance of lithium disilicate restorations cemented with LinkForce at 25 °C and at 54 °C; however there was no significant difference (p = 0.92) between the fracture resistance of lithium disilicate restorations cemented with Panavia SA used at 25 °C and at 54 °C. Regarding the interaction between ceramic material, cement type, and cement preheating, there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) in fracture resistance. The cement type does not influence the fracture resistance of ceramic restorations. Preheating of resin cement has negatively influenced the fracture resistance of all tested groups, except for lithium disilicate cemented using LinkForce cement.     

The Relationship between Microstructure and Fracture Behavior of TiAl/Ti2AlNb SPDB Joint with High Temperature Titanium Alloy Interlayers

In this paper, spark plasma diffusion bonding technology was employed to join TiAl and Ti₂AlNb with high temperature titanium alloy interlayer at 950 °C/10kN/60 min, then following furnace cooling at cooling rate up to 100 °C/min. After welding, the joint was aging heat-treated at 800 °C for 24 h. The microstructure and the elements diffusion of the TiAl/Ti₂AlNb joint was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with EDS. Moreover, the tensile properties of the joint were tested at room temperature, 650 °C, and 750 °C. The results show that the spark plasma diffusion bonding formed a high quality TiAl/Ti₂AlNb joint without microcracks or microvoids, while also effectively protecting the base metal. Significant differences in the microstructure of the joint appeared from TiAl side to Ti₂AlNb side: TiAl BM (Base Metal) → DP(Duplex) and NG (Near-Gamma) → α₂-phase matrix with needle-like α-phase → bulk α₂-phase → needle-like α-phase → metastable β-phase → Ti₂AlNb BM. After heat treatment at 800 °C for 24 h, the microstructure of the TiAl side and the interlayer region did not change, but the density and size of the needle-like α-phase in region 3 increased slightly. The microstructure of Ti₂AlNb near the weld changed obviously, and a large number of fine O phases are precipitated from the metastable β phase matrix after heat treatment. Except for the Ti₂AlN near-interface region, the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure of the joint is not significant. The microhardness of the joint is in the shape of a mountain peak. The maximum microhardness at the interface is above 500 HV, and it is significantly reduced to 400 HV after heat treatment. The fracture of the joint occurred at the interface at room temperature, 650 °C, and 750 °C. with the tensile strength 450 MPa, 540 MPa, and 471 Mpa, respectively, and mainly showing brittle fracture.     

Thermal Analysis and Selected Properties of CuNi2Si Alloy Used for Railway Traction

This paper investigates the effect of high-temperature aging (600 °C and 650 °C) on the microstructure and functional properties of copper CuNi2Si alloy. The paper also presents the results of elastomeric tests performed by means of the Gleeble 3800 heat and plastic treatment simulator, as well as DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis) analysis carried out for the investigated alloy aged for 1, 2, 4 and 7 h. Corrosion resistance tests were performed by means of the potentiodynamic method with Atlas Sollich Atlas 0531 potentiostat/galvanostat in a 3% sodium chloride solution. Based on the tribological tests, it was confirmed that the CuNi2Si alloy was solution heat treated from the temperature of 1000 °C and gradually aged at the temperature of 600 °C and 650 °C for 1–7 h, characterized by a stable wear resistance. The alloy aged at the temperature of 600 °C was characterized by a lower mass loss compared to the one aged at 650 °C. Based on the DTA analysis, it was found that for the alloy aged for 2, 4 and 7 h, at the temperatures of 401 °C, 411 °C and 412 °C, respectively, the decomposition of a supersaturated solid solution took place by spinodal transformation accompanied by a sequence of phase transitions DO₂₂ [(Cu, Ni)₃Si],→ δ-Ni₂Si → (Cu, Ni)₃Si. The results of these investigations have proved that the CuNi2Si alloy can be widely used for electric traction. The use of alloys that replace elements made entirely of copper and, in this way influencing its lower demand, is in line with the global policy of economical management of natural resources.     

Effects of Different Air Particle Abrasion Protocols on the Biaxial Flexural Strength and Fractography of High/Ultra-Translucent Zirconia

In this study, the biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and fractography of high/ultra-translucent monolithic zirconia ceramics subjected to different mechanical surface pretreatments were evaluated. A total of 108 disc-shaped samples (12 mm diameter, 1.2 mm thickness) of three zirconia materials (5Y-ZP KATANA Zirconia UTML (ML), 3Y-TZP DD Bio ZX2 (DB), and 5Y-ZP DD cube X2 (DC)) were used. The BFS was investigated after subjecting the samples to surface treatment using air abrasion particles of two types (aluminum oxide or glass microbeads). The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance, followed by Scheffe’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. The mean ± standard deviation BFS for DB was highest after treatment with 50 µm Al₂O₃ (1626.05 ± 31.9 MPa), with lower values being observed following treatment with 50 µm glass microbeads (1399.53 ± 24.2 MPa) and in the control sample (1198.51 ± 21.1 MPa). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) BFSs for DC and ML were the highest in the control groups. Surface air abrasion with 50 µm Al₂O₃ particles and 2 bar pressure is recommended for 3Y-TZP translucent zirconia, while no abrasion of 5Y-ZP translucent zirconia ceramic.     

Elaboration of Alumina-Zirconia Composites: Role of the Zirconia Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

Alumina-zirconia (AZ) composites are attractive structural materials, which combine the high hardness and Young’s modulus of the alumina matrix with additional toughening effects, due to the zirconia dispersion. In this study, AZ composites containing different amounts of zirconia (in the range 5–20 vol %) were prepared by a wet chemical method, consisting on the surface coating of alumina powders by mixing them with zirconium salt aqueous solutions. After spray-drying, powders were calcined at 600 °C for 1 h. Green bodies were then prepared by two methods: uniaxial pressing of spray-dried granules and slip casting of slurries, obtained by re-dispersing the spray dried granulates. After pressureless sintering at 1500 °C for 1 h, the slip cast samples gave rise to fully dense materials, characterized by a quite homogeneous distribution of ZrO₂ grains in the alumina matrix. The microstructure, phase composition, tetragonal to monoclinic transformation behavior and mechanical properties were investigated and are here discussed as a function of the ZrO₂ content. The material containing 10 vol % ZrO₂ presented a relevant hardness and exhibited the maximum value of K_I0, mainly imputable to the t → m transformation at the crack tip.     

Chemical Characterisation of Silanised Zirconia Nanoparticles and Their Effects on the Properties of PMMA-Zirconia Nanocomposites

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of high-impact (HI) heat-cured acrylic resin (PMMA) reinforced with silane-treated zirconia nanoparticles. Methods: Forty-five PMMA specimens reinforced with zirconia were fabricated and divided into three groups: Pure HI PMMA (control group), PMMA reinforced with 3 wt.% of non-silanised zirconia nanoparticles and PMMA reinforced with 3 wt.% of silanised zirconia nanoparticles. Silanised and non-silanised zirconia nanoparticles were analysed with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. For measuring the flexural modulus and strength, a Zwick universal tester was used, and for surface hardness, a Vickers hardness tester were used. Furthermore, raw materials and fractured surfaces were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A one-way ANOVA test followed by a post-hoc Bonferroni test was employed to analyse the data. Results: The results showed that the mean values for flexural strength (83.5 ± 6.2 MPa) and surface hardness (20.1 ± 2.3 kg/mm²) of the group containing 3 wt.% treated zirconia increased significantly (p < 0.05) in comparison to the specimens in the group containing non-treated zirconia (59.9 ± 7.1 MPa; 15.0 ± 0.2 kg/mm²) and the control group (72.4 ± 8.6 MPa; 17.1 ± 0.9 kg/mm²). However, the group with silanised zirconia showed an increase in flexural modulus (2313 ± 161 MPa) but was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the non-silanised group (2207 ± 252 MPa) and the control group (1971 ± 235 MPa). Conclusion: Silane-treated zirconia nano-filler improves the surface hardness and flexural strength of HI PMMA-zirconia nanocomposites, giving a potentially longer service life of the denture base.     

A Comparative Study on Simulated Chairside Grinding and Polishing of Monolithic Zirconia

This study evaluated the effects of different simulated chairside grinding and polishing protocols on the physical and mechanical properties of surface roughness, hardness, and flexural strength of monolithic zirconia. Sintered monolithic zirconia specimens (15 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm) were abraded using three different burs: diamond bur, modified diamond bur (zirconia specified), and tungsten carbide bur, along with a group of unprepared specimens that served as a control group. The study was divided into two phases, Phase 1 and Phase 2. Surface roughness, surface hardness, and flexural strength were assessed before and after the grinding procedure to determine the ‘best test group’ in Phase 1. The best abrasive agent was selected for Phase 2 of the study. The specimens in Phase 2 underwent grinding with the best abrasive agent selected. Following the grinding, the specimens were then polished using commercially available diamond polishing paste, a porcelain polishing kit, and an indigenously developed low-temperature sintered zirconia slurry. The physical and mechanical properties were again assessed. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. Specimens were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for their microstructure and crystalline phases, respectively. Grinding with diamond burs did not weaken zirconia (p > 0.05) but produced rougher surfaces than the control group (p < 0.05). Tungsten carbide burs did not significantly roughen the zirconia surface. However, specimens ground by tungsten carbide burs had a significantly reduced mean flexural strength (p < 0.05) and SEM revealed fine surface cracks. Phase transformation was not detected by XRD. Polishing with commercially available polishing agents, however, restored the surface roughness levels to the control group. Dental monolithic zirconia ground with tungsten carbide burs had a significantly reduced flexural strength and a smooth but defective surface. However, grinding with diamond burs roughened the zirconia surface. These defects may be reduced by polishing with commercially available polishing agents. The use of tungsten carbide burs for grinding dental zirconia should not be advocated. Grinding with diamond abrasives does not weaken zirconia but requires further polishing with commercially available polishing agents.     

Resin Cement–Zirconia Bond Strengthening by Exposure to Low-Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Multi-Gas Plasma

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gas species used for low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma surface treatment, using various gas species and different treatment times, on zirconia surface state and the bond strength between zirconia and dental resin cement. Three groups of zirconia specimens with different surface treatments were prepared as follows: untreated group, alumina sandblasting treatment group, and plasma treatment group. Nitrogen (N₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), argon (Ar), and air were employed for plasma irradiation. The bond strength between each zirconia specimen and resin cement was compared using a tension test. The effect of the gas species for plasma irradiation on the zirconia surface was investigated using a contact angle meter, an optical interferometer, an X-ray diffractometer, and X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy. Plasma irradiation increased the wettability and decreased the carbon contamination on the zirconia surface, whereas it did not affect the surface topography and crystalline phase. The bond strength varied depending on the gas species and irradiation time. Plasma treatment with N₂ gas significantly increased bond strength compared to the untreated group and showed a high bond strength equivalent to that of the sandblasting treatment group. The removal of carbon contamination from the zirconia surface and an increase in the percentage of Zr-O₂ on the zirconia surface by plasma irradiation might increase bond strength.     

Near-IR Luminescence of Rare-Earth Ions (Er3+, Pr3+, Ho3+, Tm3+) in Titanate–Germanate Glasses under Excitation of Yb3+

Inorganic glasses co-doped with rare-earth ions have a key potential application value in the field of optical communications. In this paper, we have fabricated and then characterized multicomponent TiO₂-modified germanate glasses co-doped with Yb³⁺/Ln³⁺ (Ln = Pr, Er, Tm, Ho) with excellent spectroscopic properties. Glass systems were directly excited at 980 nm (the ²F_7/2 → ²F_5/2 transition of Yb³⁺). We demonstrated that the introduction of TiO₂ is a promising option to significantly enhance the main near-infrared luminescence bands located at the optical telecommunication window at 1.3 μm (Pr³⁺: ¹G₄ → ³H₅), 1.5 μm (Er³⁺: ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2), 1.8 μm (Tm³⁺: ³F₄ → ³H₆) and 2.0 μm (Ho³⁺: ⁵I₇ → ⁷I₈). Based on the lifetime values, the energy transfer efficiencies (η_ET) were estimated. The values of η_ET are changed from 31% for Yb³⁺/Ho³⁺ glass to nearly 53% for Yb³⁺/Pr³⁺ glass. The investigations show that obtained titanate–germanate glass is an interesting type of special glasses integrating luminescence properties and spectroscopic parameters, which may be a promising candidate for application in laser sources emitting radiation and broadband tunable amplifiers operating in the near-infrared range.     

Post-Fatigue Fracture and Marginal Behavior of Endodontically Treated Teeth: Partial Crown vs. Full Crown vs. Endocrown vs. Fiber-Reinforced Resin Composite

Objectives: To investigate in vitro post-fatigue fracture behavior of endodontically treated molars having been differently restored. Methods: A total of 120 extracted human molars were used. A total of 120 specimens in 14 test groups and one control group (n = 8) were root canal treated. After postendodontic sealing and build-up (AdheSE Universal, SDR), additional MOD preparations were cut. Postendodontic restorations were: Direct restorations (Tetric EvoCeram BulkFill bonded with AdheSE Universal and EverX Posterior/Essentia bonded with G-Premio Bond; as filling (F) or direct partial crown (DPC) after reducing the cusps 2 mm; indirect adhesive restorations (partial crown/PC vs. full crown/FC): e.max CAD, Celtra Duo, both luted with Variolink Esthetic; indirect zirconia restorations (partial crown/PC vs. full crown/FC), luted with RelyX Unicem 2; indirect non-bonded cast gold restorations (partial crown/PC vs. full crown/FC; Degunorm), luted with Ketac Cem. Before and after 300,000 thermocycles (5/55 °C) and 1.2 Mio. A total of 100 N load cycles, replicas were analyzed under a SEM for marginal quality in enamel and dentin (where applicable) and finally, specimens were loaded until fracture. Results: In direct groups, there was no difference between RC and FRC in fracture strength (p > 0.05); however, direct partial crowns showed higher post-fatigue fracture resistance. Regarding marginal quality, intracoronal FRC restorations exhibited more gap-free margins in enamel than RC. In the indirect groups, there was no significant difference between partial and full crowns in any of the adhesively luted ceramic groups regarding post-fatigue fracture resistance. Zirconia partial crowns exhibited significantly lower marginal quality in enamel. Indirect groups performed significantly better than direct groups in fracture resistance. Within the indirect restorations, both cast gold groups and zirconia full crowns exhibited the highest fracture resistance being superior to control teeth. Significances: Within the limits of this in vitro investigation, it can be concluded that any kind of indirect restoration with cusp replacement is suitable for ETT restoration when a certain cavity extension is exceeded. All indirect restorations, i.e., endocrowns, partial crowns, and full crowns showed a promising performance after in vitro fatigue-loading.     

3-D Surface Morphological Characterization of CAD/CAM Milled Dental Zirconia: An In Vitro Study of the Effect of Post-Fabrication Processes

Objective: To investigate the effect on zirconia surface of the post-fabrication surface treatments on the morphological characteristics and mechanical properties of CAD/CAM milled dental zirconia specimens as well as to identify the critical parameters in the measurement of oral retention under in vitro circumstances. Method: The zirconia specimens (N = 20, n = 4) were subjected to CAD/CAM milling and divided into five groups. The specifications were: Group G1—sintered; Group G2—sintered followed by a polishing process; Group G3—sintered followed by polishing and sandblasting with alumina particles Al₂O₃ (110 µm); Group G4—sintered followed by sandblasting; Group G5—sintered followed by sandblasting with polishing as the end process. All the groups were subjected to Fretting wear tests, 3-D surface roughness measurements, and Vickers’s Micro hardness tests. Investigation of the phase transformation using XRD, and surface feature examination using SEM were also carried out. Additionally, one-way ANOVA, Tukey, and Pearson correlations were statistically analysed. Results: The fabrication processes had a significant effect on the performance of zirconia specimens in all the groups (p > 0.05). Specimens that underwent polishing as the last process exhibited lower surface roughness. The monoclinic phase of zirconia was observed in all the specimens before and after wear except for those in the G2 and G5 groups, where polishing was the end process. In G5, the post-wear surface properties revealed lower surface roughness and hardness. Further, the SEM and 3-D topography show grooves as seen by the dale void volume (Vvv) values; shallow valley depth (Svk); micro craters; and wear track. Conclusion: Specimens in G5 that were subjected to multistep post-fabrication process, namely sandblasting followed by polishing, yielded better results when compared to those in the other groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4). G5 with an interlayer of alumina is recommended for clinical applications due to its enhanced surface properties, mechanical properties, and low wear.     

Electrochemical Mechanism of Molten Salt Electrolysis from TiO2 to Titanium

Electrochemical mechanisms of molten salt electrolysis from TiO₂ to titanium were investigated by Potentiostatic electrolysis, cyclic voltammetry, and square wave voltammetry in NaCl-CaCl₂ at 800 °C. The composition and morphology of the product obtained at different electrolysis times were characterized by XRD and SEM. CaTiO₃ phase was found in the TiO₂ electrochemical reduction process. Electrochemical reduction of TiO₂ to titanium is a four-step reduction process, which can be summarized as TiO₂→Ti₄O₇→Ti₂O₃→TiO→Ti. Spontaneous and electrochemical reactions take place simultaneously in the reduction process. The electrochemical reduction of TiO₂→Ti₄O₇→Ti₂O₃→TiO affected by diffusion was irreversible.