Objective: Low-temperature-degradation (LTD) has been reported to cause property changes in yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP). The current study measured monoclinic phase transformation of Y-TZP with different grain sizes and corresponding property changes due to artificial aging.
Null hypothesis: the grain size of aged Y-TZP will not influence its transformation, roughness, hardness or modulus of elasticity.
Methods: Four groups of Y-TZP were examined with differing grain sizes (n=5). The line intercept technique was used to determine grain sizes on SEM images (100,000×). Artificial aging was accomplished by autoclaving at 2 bar pressure for 5 h. X-ray diffraction (30 mA, 40 kV) was used to measure tetragonal to monoclinic transformation (t→m). Surface roughness analysis was performed using a non-contact surface-profilometer. Nano-hardness and modulus of elasticity were measured using nano-indentation.
Results: SEM analyses showed different grain sizes for each sample group (0.350 μm, 0.372 μm, 0.428 μm, and 0.574 μm). The fraction of t→m transformation increased as grain size increased; furthermore, aging of zirconia caused increased roughness. Modulus and hardness after aging displayed no significant correlation or interaction with grain size.
Significance: Smaller grains caused less transformation, and aging caused increased roughness, but grain size did not influence the amount of increased surface roughness. Future studies are needed to determine the effects of grain size on the wear and fracture properties of dental zirconia.
Keywords: Aging; Grain size; LTD; Transformation; Zirconia.
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