Toughening of highly translucent zirconia by monoclinic ZrO₂ and SiO₂ particle coating

Abstract

The mechanical properties of highly translucent partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) need to be improved; however, improvement of mechanical properties often decreases translucency. To overcome this problem, a monoclinic ZrO₂ (mZrO₂)/SiO₂ dispersion was prepared and applied as a coating material for PSZ. The influence of surface treatment by the mZrO₂/SiO₂ dispersion on the surface topography, crystallography, and mechanical properties of highly translucent PSZ was investigated in this study. Following the treatment, the mechanical strength of highly translucent PSZ improved by 170% compared with control, for the best mZrO₂/SiO₂ dispersion ratio and heating temperature condition, while maintaining its translucency. The proposed coating is promising for improving the mechanical properties of highly translucent PSZ.