Biaxial flexure strength and low temperature degradation of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite and Y-TZP as dental restoratives

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical durability of a zirconia/alumina nanocomposite stabilized with cerium oxide (Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite) in comparison to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) and discuss its application on ceramic dental restorations. The disk-shaped specimens of both materials were stored in physiological saline solution at 80 degrees C for 30 days, in 4% acetic acid at 80 degrees C for 30 days, and in an autoclave at 121 degrees C for 10 days. Before and after storage, specimens were subjected to the biaxial flexure test and to the determination of the monoclinic zirconia content. After autoclaving, Y-TZP showed remarkable increasing of the content of monoclinic zirconia: 0.3 vol % before and 49.9 vol % after, and slight decreasing of biaxial flexure strength: 1046 MPa before and 892 MPa after; whereas Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite showed no significant difference in the monoclinic content (4.8-5.5 vol %) and the biaxial flexure strength (1371-1422 MPa) after storage in any conditions. It is concluded that, compared to Y-TZP, the Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite has a high biaxial flexure strength along with a satisfactory durability in terms of low-temperature aging degradation in above conditions. This study indicates that the Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite demonstrates excellent mechanical durability for dental restorations such as all-ceramic bridges.     

Fracture toughness, strength and slow crack growth in a ceria stabilized zirconia-alumina nanocomposite for medical applications

Mechanical properties and slow crack growth (SCG) behavior of a 10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite currently developed as a biomaterial are considered. Fracture toughness is determined for sharp, long (double torsion) and short (indentation) cracks and a good agreement is found between the two types of cracks. The main toughening mechanism in the nanocomposite is the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation of the ceria-stabilized zirconia (Ce-TZP) phase. Transformation at the surface of ground specimens leads to surface compressive induced stresses and an increase in strength. Crack velocity curves (V-K(I) curves) are obtained under static and cyclic fatigue using the double torsion method. The static V-K(I) curve in air reveals the three stages characteristic of stress corrosion with a threshold K(I0) approximately 4.5 MPa m(1/2) and a fracture toughness of 8.8 MPa m(1/2) significantly higher than those of currently used inert bioceramics (i.e., alumina and Y-TZP). A crack growth accelerating effect is shown under cyclic loading, correlated with a decrease in the threshold. However, the cyclic fatigue threshold (4 MPa m(1/2)) still stands above that of current biomedical grade alumina and zirconia.     

Phase stability after aging and its influence on pin-on-disk wear properties of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite and conventional Y-TZP

Recently zirconia/alumina composites have been examined by many researchers as the new generation of bearing materials in total joint replacements. In this study, the phase stability of a Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite and conventional Y-TZP after aging, and its influence on wear resistance, were investigated. Very slight phase transformation was observed in both types of ceramics 18 months after the implantation of Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) or Y-TZP samples into rabbit tibiae. However, Y-TZP showed marked phase transformation (approximately 80%) after aging in an autoclave (121 degrees C) for 190 h or in physiological saline at 62 degrees C for 18 months, whereas the new composite remained almost resistant to degradation. According to the results of self-pairing pin-on-disk wear tests using ceramic specimens with or without autoclave aging, the wear factor was almost the same between Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) samples with and without aging (6.74 +/- 0.36 x 10(-8) and 6.04 +/- 0.95 x 10(-8) mm(3)/Nm, respectively). In contrast, although non-aged Y-TZP had the lowest wear factor (4.88 +/- 0.51 x 10(-8) mm(3)/Nm) of all specimens tested, aged Y-TZP showed 10-fold greater wear than nonaged Y-TZP. The present study suggests that Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite has much greater phase stability than Y-TZP, and that its wear properties are not influenced by aging.     

Enhancing the bioactivity of zirconia and zirconia composites by surface modification

Among bioceramics, zirconia (ZrO(2)) and alumina (Al(2)O(3)) possess exceptional mechanical properties suitable for load-bearing and wear-resistant applications but the poor bioactivity of these materials is the major concern when bonding and integration to the living bone are desired. This article investigates two different approaches and their underlying mechanisms to improve the bioactivity of zirconia (3Y-TZP) and a zirconia composite with alumina (10Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3)). Chemical treatment approach applied on 3Y-TZP where the substrates were soaked in 5M H(3)PO(4) to create chemically functional groups on the surface for inducing apatite nucleation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to detect chemical changes and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to monitor phase changes on the surface before and after acid treatment. Alternate soaking approach applied on 10Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) consisted of soaking the composite substrates in CaCl(2) and Na(2)HPO(4) solutions alternately to make a precursor for apatite formation. The bioactivity was evaluated by apatite-forming ability of surface-treated materials in simulated body fluid (SBF). Both methods resulted in the formation of hydroxyapatite on the surface of materials; however, alternate soaking approach showed to be a simpler, faster, and more effective method than the chemical treatment approach for enhancing the bioactivity of zirconia materials.     

Strength and reliability of surface treated Y-TZP dental ceramics

This work was undertaken to evaluate the effects of dental grinding and sandblasting on the biaxial flexural strength and Weibull modulus of various Y-TZP ceramics containing 3 mol% yttria. In addition, the susceptibility of pristine and mechanically treated materials to low-temperature degradation under the conditions adopted for testing the chemical solubility of dental ceramics was investigated. The results revealed that surface grinding and sandblasting exhibit a counteracting effect on the strength of Y-TZP ceramics. Dental grinding lowered the mean strength and Weibull modulus, whereas sandblasting provided a powerful method for strengthening, but at the expense of somewhat lower reliability. The finest-grained material exhibited the highest strength after sintering, but it was less damage tolerant than tougher, coarse-grained materials. Upon extraction with the acetic acid solution and the ammonia solution, a significant amount of tetragonal zirconia had transformed to monoclinic, but extensive microcracking and attendant strength degradation had not yet occurred. Standard grade Y-TZP ceramics are more resistant in an alkaline than in an acidic environment, and there was a strong grain-size dependence of the diffusion-controlled transformation. Since a special Y-TZP grade containing a small amount of alumina exhibited the highest damage tolerance and superior stability in an acidic environment, this material shows considerable promise for dental applications.     

Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite as a bearing material in total joint replacement

The objectives of this study were to investigate the biocompatibility, phase stability, and wear properties of a newly developed Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite, as compared to conventional ceramics, and to determine whether the new composite could be used as a bearing material in total joint prostheses. In tests of mechanical properties, this composite showed significantly higher toughness than conventional Y-TZP. For biocompatibility tests, cylindrical specimens of both the Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite and monolithic alumina were implanted into the paraspinal muscles of male Wistar rats. The tissue reactions were almost the same, and at 24 weeks after implantation, thin fibrous capsules with almost no inflammation were observed around both of them. There were no significant differences in membrane thickness between the two ceramics. After hydrothermal treatment in 121 degrees C vapor for 18 h, the new composite showed complete resistance to aging degradation, whereas Y-TZP showed a phase transformation of 25.3 vol% (initial 0.4%) to the monoclinic form. According to the results of pin-on-disk tests, the wear rates of Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite and alumina were 0.55 +/- 0.04 x 10(-7) and 2.12 +/- 0.37 x 10(-7)mm(3)/Nm, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the Ce-TZP/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite is a promising alternative ceramic component for total joint replacement.     

Influence of hydrothermal and mechanical conditions on the strength of zirconia

Low temperature degradation and mechanical and thermal cycling may decrease the strength of zirconia and jeopardize the long-term success of dental restorations made of this material. The objective of this study was to reveal the influence of different environmental and loading conditions on the strength of 3 mol.% yttria-stabilized polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia (3Y-TZP). A total of 144 disk specimens were produced from each of two 3Y-TZP materials, and subjected to one of the following conditions: (A) no further treatment (control); (B and C) 10⁶ and 5 × 10⁶ mechanical cycles, respectively, with an upper load limit of 100 N; (D) 10⁴ thermal cycles between 5 and 55 °C; (E) 200 days storage in water at 36 °C; (F) a successive combination of conditions B, D and E; (G) storage in water at 80 °C for 64 days; (H) storage in an autoclave at 134 °C for 8 h. Monoclinic phase content was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Specimen strength was determined in a biaxial bending test. The two ceramics exhibited average strengths of 995 and 1239 MPa, respectively. No statistically significant influence of any treatment on strength was demonstrated for either material. However, XRD measurements revealed a substantial increase in monoclinic phase content, from an initial 2% (control) to up to 10%, according to storage conditions. As a consequence of hydrothermal loading a tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation took place at the surface of the 3Y-TZP materials investigated, but, like thermal and mechanical cycling, this did not lead to significant changes in bulk strength.     

Phase transformation, roughness, and microhardness of artificially aged yttria- and magnesia-stabilized zirconia femoral heads

Yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic (Y-TZP) has been used in total hip arthroplasty for many years but is susceptible to low-temperature aging. Medical-grade magnesia-stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) is less commonly used; however, it has been shown to resist phase transformation. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the effects of artificial aging on phase transformation, surface roughness, and Vickers microhardness on Y-TZP and Mg-PSZ femoral heads. Y-TZP and Mg-PSZ heads were artificially aged in an autoclave in stages up to a total of 49 h. The surface roughness of Y-TZP significantly increased with each stage of artificial aging. Y-TZP heads aged for 49 h had a significantly higher monoclinic phase concentration and roughness, and a significantly lower microhardness, than nonaged Y-TZP heads. Artificial aging also caused the surface of Y-TZP to exhibit a lumpy "orange peel"-like appearance with a significantly higher mean peak height, suggesting that artificial aging causes individual grains to be pushed out of the surface. In contrast, artificial aging did not significantly affect the properties of Mg-PSZ heads. These findings suggest that Mg-PSZ is a satisfactory material for orthopaedic implant use, while Y-TZP, in the form tested, is not adequately stable for use as a bearing surface.     

Microstructural and crystallographic surface changes after grinding zirconia-based dental ceramics

The purpose of this study was to evaluate microstructural and crystallographic phase changes after grinding 3Y-TZP dental ceramics. Ceramic blanks were sintered according to manufacturer's recommendations and divided into four groups: (A) as-sintered control, (B) diamond-ground manually under water, (C) ground and polished, and (D) ground and annealed at 1000 degrees C for 1 h. Bulk specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffraction to characterize the crystalline phases. The microstructure was investigated by SEM. XRD analyses showed that the control group and the group that was ground and annealed contained only tetragonal zirconia. However, after grinding or after grinding followed by polishing, rhombohedral zirconia and strained tetragonal zirconia were present, without any detectable amount of monoclinic zirconia. Annealing led to the disappearance of both residual lattice strain and the rhombohedral phase. The microstructure of the ground and polished specimens was characterized by significant residual surface damage associated with grain pullout to a depth of about 20 microm. This type of damage could have an impact on the long-term fatigue behavior of 3Y-TZP.     

Mechanical behaviour of zirconia and zirconia-toughened alumina in a simulated body environment

The mechanical properties of a zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) and three tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics (TZPs), together with a biograde alumina, have been assessed in a simulated body solution (Ringer's solution). The hardness and fracture toughness of these materials were unchanged from the values in air when the tests were carried out in Ringer's solution; there was an instantaneous fall in strength in Ringer's solution but this was considered acceptable. However, ageing for long periods in Ringer's solution promoted a surface layer of monoclinic zirconia. This was accompanied by a strength decrement and it is concluded that these yttria-stabilized ZTA and TZP materials are unsuitable as implant materials.     

自由成形制备氧化锆全瓷牙种植体的初步研究

目的探索陶瓷自由成形制备全瓷牙种植体的工艺,并研究烧结温度对氧化锆陶瓷主要性能的影响。方法采用固相含量为55vol%的氧化锆陶瓷浆料,通过自由成形的方法制备试样,并用无压烧结方法在1 100℃、1 200℃、1 300℃和1 400℃下烧结试样,保温2 h,随炉冷却。对烧结试样的致密化程度、抗弯强度、微观形貌及相组成进行测试。结果试样最大收缩率为16.83%,致密度可达98.36%;1 300℃试样3点抗弯强度达到480 MPa;1 400℃试样X射线衍射检测出单斜相氧化锆的衍射峰,抗弯强度有所下降。结论陶瓷自由成形技术在牙科修复体制造领域具有广阔的发展前景,1 300℃烧结温度下试样综合性能最优,为最佳烧结温度。     

上釉技术对氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷粘接及力学性能的影响

文题释义：氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷：是以氧化钇为稳定剂、四方相为主要物相的氧化锆陶瓷，其具有较高的抗弯强度(900-1 200 MPa)和断裂韧性(9-10 MPa·m^1/2)。由于这些优异的机械性能，氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷成为口腔冠桥修复中应用最广泛的陶瓷之一。 相变增韧机制：为氧化锆增韧的一种方法。稳定剂使四方相氧化锆在室温下可以处于亚稳态，但是在应力作用下亚稳态的四方相氧化锆易转化为单斜相氧化锆，同时伴有3%-5%的体积膨胀，这个过程能弥合微裂纹且消耗断裂能，提高氧化锆陶瓷的韧性。 背景：任何表面处理都应在不损害原有氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷强度的前提下提高其粘接强度。目前缺乏上釉技术对氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷粘接强度影响的资料，并且其对氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷力学性能的影响尚不明确。 目的：评估上釉技术对氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷力学行为及其与树脂水门汀粘接强度的影响。 方法：制作氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷试件并随机分为4组：A组，表面不做任何处理；B组，110 μm氧化铝颗粒喷砂；C组，上釉+氢氟酸酸蚀；D组，上釉+氢氟酸酸蚀+硅烷化。检测每组试件的表面显微形貌、粗糙度、晶相结构、元素组成、剪切粘接强度和弯曲强度，并观察剪切粘接强度测试后所有断面的断裂模式。 结果与结论：①经表面处理后的试件粗糙度明显增大，降序排列依次为C组(0.62±0.01) μm、D组(0.55±0.02) μm、B组(0.11±0.02) μm、A组(0.05±0.01) μm，5组间粗糙度比较差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05)；②B组试件表面含有2.2%单斜相氧化锆，而其他组含量均为零；③除锆和氧2种元素外，B组还含有铝元素6.49%，C和D组分别含有硅元素18.67%和25.78%；④A、B、C、D组的剪切粘接强度分别为(3.11±0.40)，(4.23±0.45)，(6.62±0.60)，(10.46±0.83) MPa，组间两两比较差异均有显著性意义(P < 0.05)；⑤A、B、C和D组的三点弯曲强度分别为(961.07±75.53)，(1 234.73±114.09)，(1 024.28±120.51)，(1 036.09±80.10) MPa，其中A、C和D组两两比较差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05)，B组与A、C、D组比较差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05)；⑥结果表明，上釉技术未明显提升氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷的弯曲强度，但上釉后经氢氟酸蚀刻并硅烷化处理可显著增强氧化钇稳定四方相氧化锆多晶陶瓷与树脂水门汀之间的粘接强度。 ORCID: 0000-0002-8066-2498(徐小敏) 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：生物材料；骨生物材料; 口腔生物材料; 纳米材料; 缓释材料; 材料相容性；组织工程     

Effect of coloring with various metal oxides on the microstructure, color, and flexural strength of 3Y-TZP

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cerium and bismuth coloring salts solutions on the microstructure, color, flexural strength, and aging resistance of tetragonal zirconia for dental applications (3Y-TZP). Cylindrical blanks were sectioned into disks (2-mm thick, 25-mm in diameter) and colored by immersion in cerium acetate (CA), cerium chloride (CC), or bismuth chloride (BC) solutions at 1, 5, or 10 wt %. The density, elastic constants, and biaxial flexural strength were determined after sintering at 1350 degrees C. The crystalline phases were analyzed by X-ray diffraction before and after aging in autoclave for 10 h. The results showed that the mean density of the colored groups was comparable with that of the control group (6.072 +/- 0.008 g/cm(3)). XRD confirmed the presence of tetragonal zirconia with a slight increase in lattice parameters for the colored groups. A perceptible color difference was obtained for all groups (DeltaE* = 2.57 +/- 0.48 to 14.22 +/- 0.98), compared with the control. The mean grain size increased significantly for the groups colored with CC or CA at 10 wt %, compared with the control group (0.318 +/- 0.029 mm). The mean biaxial strength of CA1%, CA5%, and BC1% groups was not significantly different from that of the control group (1087.5 +/- 173.3 MPa). The flexural strength of all other groups decreased linearly with increasing concentration for both cerium salts (860.7 +/- 172 to 274.4 +/- 67.3 MPa). The resistance to low temperature degradation was not affected by the coloring process. Coloring with cerium or bismuth salts produced perceptible color differences even at the lowest concentrations. A decrease in flexural strength at the higher concentrations was attributed to an increase in open porosity.     

Mechanical properties and short-term in-vivo evaluation of yttrium-oxide-partially-stabilized zirconia

Yttrium-oxide-partially-stabilized zirconia (YPSZ) belongs to a new class of ceramics exhibiting an improved toughness when compared to alumina. The toughening mechanism is related to a martensitic-like transformation of tetragonal metastable grains into a monoclinic state occurring at the crack tip. Specific tests showed that YPSZ exhibited a high bending strength (900-1200 MPa), a low Young's modulus (200 GPa), and a high toughness (KIC = 9-10 MN/m3/2). Its average grain size of 0.5 microns allows a surface roughness as low as 0.008 microns. Sterilization or aging in saline solution at room temperature for 100 days did not affect the toughness of this material. Cylindrical YPSZ samples, manufactured by cold isostatic pressing and sintering, were implanted in the paraspinal muscles in the rat up to 12 weeks. The tissue reaction was evaluated with reference to alumina (ISO requirements) by means of quantitative histomorphometry. No significant differences were found between YPSZ and alumina for both the membrane thickness and cell distributions surrounding the implants.     

不同核心瓷与饰面瓷厚度比对氧化锆双层瓷结构强度的影响*

背景：氧化锆陶瓷的强度和韧性均优于传统的长石瓷和氧化铝陶瓷,其双层瓷结构的弯曲强度与核心瓷/饰面瓷厚度比相关。 目的：分析不同核心瓷与饰面瓷厚度比对氧化锆双层瓷结构强度及断裂方式的影响。 方法：将完全烧结的氧化锆块切割成0.5,0.8,1.0,1.2,1.5,2.0 mm 6种不同厚度的氧化锆瓷片,除2.0 mm厚度组(对照组)外,用自制磨具在0.5,0.8,1.0,1.2,1.5 mm厚度的氧化锆瓷片上堆塑饰面瓷,使得核心瓷与饰面瓷的厚度比分别为1∶3,2∶3,1∶1,3∶2,3∶1。 结果与结论：随着核心瓷与饰面瓷厚度比的增加,氧化锆双层瓷结构强度也随之增强。除核心瓷与饰面瓷厚度比2∶3组与1∶1组、3∶2组与3∶1组间差异无显著性意义外(P > 0.05),其余组间差异均有显著性意义(P < 0.05)。核心瓷与饰面瓷厚度比为1∶3、2∶3组均出现分层,断裂碎片在3片以上,而其他4组样本未出现分层,断裂碎片多为2片。表明核心瓷/饰面瓷厚度比可显著影响氧化锆双层瓷的结构强度。     

Laminated and functionally graded hydroxyapatite/yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering

Hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics have been conventionally strengthened and toughened in the form of composites and coatings. New microstructural designs and processing methodologies are still needed for the improvement of the mechanical properties of HA-based ceramics. This study was to prepare laminated and functionally graded HA/yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) composites by the relatively new process of spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure and the mechanical properties of the laminated and functionally graded composites were studied for possible orthopedic applications. It was found that the laminated and functionally graded HA/Y-TZP composites could be densified at 1200 degrees C within 5 min by the SPS process and the average HA grain size in the composite layers was reduced by half due to the well-dispersed Y-TZP second phase. The HA phase in the composite layers was stable up to 1200 degrees C and the Y-TZP second phase remained the tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO(2)) phase after being processed at the highest temperature of 1250 degrees C. The laminated and functionally graded HA/Y-TZP composites exhibited much improved mechanical properties compared with the pure HA ceramics; the bending strength of the composites reached about 200 MPa, double the strength of the pure HA ceramics.     

Finite element analysis of a four-unit all-ceramic fixed partial denture

All-ceramic restorations are known to be prone to brittle fracture. However, a previously performed in vitro study indicates that four-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) with a zirconia framework are sufficiently strong to withstand occlusal forces in the posterior region. The aim of this study was to determine the stress distribution in such a four-unit FPD made of yttria-stabilized polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP), under an occlusal load. A three-dimensional finite element model was constructed and a stress analysis performed with a force of 1630 N applied at the centre of the middle connector area. The location of maximum tensile stress according to finite element analysis coincided with the fracture origin of all 10 specimens fractured within the previous in vitro study. The maximum tensile stress in the area of the middle connector amounted to 633 MPa. It increased with the load being applied from the oral towards the buccal side (648 MPa) and decreased with the load being applied from the buccal towards the oral side (570 MPa). These stresses are of the same order as the flexural strength of Y-TZP, determined under standardized test conditions to be 600–1000 MPa. The model presented is intended to be used for further investigations, including thermally induced stresses during veneering.     

In vitro bioactivity and phase stability of plasma-sprayed nanostructured 3Y-TZP coatings

In this work, plasma-sprayed nanostructured zirconia coatings stabilized with 3 mol.% yttria (3Y-TZP) were deposited on Ti substrates. The microstructure and phase composition of coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The in vitro bioactivity of coatings was evaluated by examining the formation of bone-like apatite on its surface in simulated body fluid. MG63 cell lines were cultured on the coating to investigate its cytocompatibility. The crystalline phase of the as-sprayed coating was tetragonal zirconia, and no monoclinic zirconia was detected. The size of the grains on the as-sprayed coating surface was less than 100 nm. The apatite could precipitate on the surface of the coating immersed in simulated body fluid for 28 days while no apatite was formed on the surface of 3Y-TZP ceramic control, indicating that the bioactivity of the coating is superior to the ceramic with the same composition. It also revealed that the polished coating whose nanostructural outmost layer was removed was bioinert, implying the significance of the nanosized grains for its bioactivity. MG63 cells could adhere, grow and proliferate well on the coating surface, indicating that the coating had good cytocompatibility. Phase stability of plasma-sprayed 3Y-TZP coating was evaluated under hydrothermal conditions at 134 °C. It revealed that the plasma-sprayed nanostructured zirconia coating was more sensitive to aging than that of zirconia ceramics.     

着色剂氧化铈及氧化铒对牙科氧化锆陶瓷颜色及性能的影响

背景：有研究提出在氧化锆中添加稀土氧化物,可以在一定程度上改变氧化锆自身颜色,以期满足口腔临床要求,达到美观。 目的：对添加稀土氧化物氧化锆的色度值和机械性能进行评价。 方法：用ShadeEye电脑比色仪测试件的L*a*b*值,用X射线衍射仪(D/max-RB)分析材料的晶相结构,在EZ-100万能实验机上测试其三点弯曲强度。使用扫描电镜观察试样弯曲断口显微形态。 结果与结论：①烧结后所形成的氧化锆试件材料主晶相结构为四方相氧化锆,未见第2种晶相结构。②氧化铈与氧化锆混合呈淡黄色;氧化铒与氧化锆混合呈浅粉红色,并随着剂量的增加,颜色随之加深;二者混合试件使氧化锆呈浅桔黄色,并随着剂量的增加,颜色随之加深。③单独添加二氧化铈后,材料的抗弯强度呈下降趋势,单独添加氧化铒后,材料的抗弯强度呈下降趋势,二氧化铈和氧化铒混合试件抗弯强度随二氧化铈和氧化铒含量的增加而降低,单独添加二氧化铈仅少量降低了抗弯强度,当加入氧化铒后对材料强度降低的影响更加明显。表明,稀土氧化物与氧化锆混合可以改变氧化锆自身颜色,并且具有一定的抗弯性。     

Apatite-forming ability of a zirconia/alumina nano-composite induced by chemical treatment

Induction of an apatite-forming ability on a nano-composite of a ceria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Ce-TZP) and alumina (Al2O3) polycrystals via chemical treatment with aqueous solutions of H3PO4, H2SO4, HCl, or NaOH has been investigated. The Ce-TZP/Al2O3 composite is attractive as a load-bearing bone substitute because of its mechanical properties. The chemical treatments produced Zr-OH surface functional groups, which are known to be effective for apatite nucleation in a body environment. The composite, after chemical treatment, was shown to form a bonelike apatite layer when immersed in a simulated body fluid containing ion concentrations nearly equal to those in human blood plasma. This implies that it may form apatite in the living body and bond to living bone through the apatite layer. This type of bioactive Ce-TZP/Al2O3 composite is therefore expected to be useful as a bone substitute, even under load-bearing conditions.