Effect of sintering temperature on microscopic and mechanical properties of 3Y-TZP dental ceramic

To investigate the microstructural evolution with sintering temperature and its effects on mechanical properties, 3mol% tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP) with a primary grain size of 40 nm was sintered at 1350°C,1400°C,1450°C and 1500°C, respectively, in air for 1.5 h. Monophase t-ZrO
₂
was revealed in all samples studied, indicating total stabilization of the m-ZrO2 present in starting powder and a critical grain size larger than 423 nm at room temperature. Full dense 3Y-TZP samples were obtained at 1450°C, which presented significantly higher strength and toughness than others (P<0.05). A mixed fracture mode with intergranular and transgranular fracture was observed in all samples and changed as a function of sintering temperature.