Abstract
Objectives
To introduce a versatile fabrication process to fabricate zirconia/PMMA composites for chairside CAD/CAM dental restorations. These zirconia composites have nacre-like lamellar microstructures, competent and tooth-matched mechanical properties, as well as crack resistance behaviours.
Methods
Bi-directional freeze casting was used to fabricate ceramic green bodies with highly aligned lamellar structure. Pressure was then applied to control the ceramic volume fraction. PMMA was infiltrated into the ceramic scaffold. Mechanical tests including 3-point bending, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness were performed on the composites. The machinability of the composites was also characterised.
Results
Two types of nacre-like zirconia/PMMA composites, i.e., 3Y-YZP/PMMA and 5Y-PSZ/PMMA composites were fabricated. The microstructure created was similar to the ‘brick and mortar' structure of nacre. Excellent flexural strength (up to 400 MPa and 290 MPa for 3Y-TZP/PMMA and 5Y-PSZ/PMMA composite, respectively), tuneable hardness and elastic modulus within the range similar to enamel, along with improved crack-resistance behaviour were demonstrated on both zirconia composites. In addition, both zirconia/PMMA composites showed acceptable machinability, being easy to mill, as would be required to produce a dental crown.
Significance
Nacre-like zirconia/PMMA composites therefore exhibit the potential for use in the production of chairside CAD/CAM dental restorations.
To introduce a versatile fabrication process to fabricate zirconia/PMMA composites for chairside CAD/CAM dental restorations. These zirconia composites have nacre-like lamellar microstructures, competent and tooth-matched mechanical properties, as well as crack resistance behaviours.
Methods
Bi-directional freeze casting was used to fabricate ceramic green bodies with highly aligned lamellar structure. Pressure was then applied to control the ceramic volume fraction. PMMA was infiltrated into the ceramic scaffold. Mechanical tests including 3-point bending, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness were performed on the composites. The machinability of the composites was also characterised.
Results
Two types of nacre-like zirconia/PMMA composites, i.e., 3Y-YZP/PMMA and 5Y-PSZ/PMMA composites were fabricated. The microstructure created was similar to the ‘brick and mortar' structure of nacre. Excellent flexural strength (up to 400 MPa and 290 MPa for 3Y-TZP/PMMA and 5Y-PSZ/PMMA composite, respectively), tuneable hardness and elastic modulus within the range similar to enamel, along with improved crack-resistance behaviour were demonstrated on both zirconia composites. In addition, both zirconia/PMMA composites showed acceptable machinability, being easy to mill, as would be required to produce a dental crown.
Significance
Nacre-like zirconia/PMMA composites therefore exhibit the potential for use in the production of chairside CAD/CAM dental restorations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Dental Materials |
| Early online date | 30 Nov 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 30 Nov 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) project (EP/S022813/1). The authors sincerely thank the Wolfson Bioimaging Facility for their help in obtaining SEM images, the Cleanroom for the help of 3D profilometry measurement, and the Bristol Crown Company (Bristol, UK) for milling the crowns.
Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) project ( EP/S022813/1 ).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors
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