Biaxial Flexural Strength Research Articles

Mechanical properties of 3D-printed and milled composite resins for definitive restorations: An in vitro comparison of initial strength and fatigue behavior.

To evaluate the flexural strength and fatigue behavior of a novel 3D-printed composite resin for definitive restorations. Fifty disc-shaped specimens were manufactured from each of a nanohybrid composite resin (NHC), polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN), and 3D-printed composite resin (3D) with CAD-CAM technology. Biaxial flexural strength (σin ) (n = 30 per group) and biaxial flexural fatigue strength (σff ) (n = 20 per group) were measured using piston-on-three-balls method, employing a staircase approach of 105 cycles. Weibull statistics, relative-strength degradation calculations, and fractography were performed. The results were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA and Games-Howell post hoc test (α = 0.05). Significant differences in σin and σff among the groups (p < 0.001) were detected. The NHC group provided the highest mean ± standard deviation σin and σff (237.3 ± 31.6 MPa and 141.3 ± 3.8 MPa), followed by the PICN (140.3 ± 12.9 MPa and 73.5 ± 9.9 MPa) and the 3D (83.6 ± 18.5 MPa and 37.4 ± 23.8 MPa) groups. The 3D group exhibited significantly lower Weibull modulus (m = 4.7) and up to 15% higher relative strength degradation with areas of nonhomogeneous microstructure as possible fracture origins. The 3D-printed composite resin exhibited the lowest mechanical properties, where areas of nonhomogeneous microstructure developed during the mixing procedure served as potential fracture origins. The clinical indications of the investigated novel 3D-printed composite resin should be limited to long-term provisional restorations. A cautious procedure for mixing the components is crucial before the 3D-printing process, since nonhomogeneous areas developed during the mixing could act as fracture origins.

Effect of surface treatments on optical, topographical and mechanical properties of CAD/CAM reinforced lithium silicate glass ceramics.

To investigate the effect of different surface treatments on optical, topographical and mechanical properties of CAD/CAM lithium silicate-based glass ceramics (LSC's) and their combined effect on the output of a light curing unit (LCU). Four CAD/CAM LSC's were investigated: Lithium Disilicate (Emax CAD; EC), Zirconia-reinforced silicates (Vita Suprinity; VS and Celtra Duo;CD) and Lithium Aluminum Disilicate (CEREC Tessera; CT). Ceramic specimens (n=240) were divided into six subgroups according to their surface treatment: (a) Control, (b) Hydrofluoric acid (HF) 5%, (c) HF 5% +Neutralizing agent (N), (d) HF 9%, (e) HF 9% +N and (f) Self-etching ceramic primer (SEP). Irradiance, power and radiant exposure of a LCU were measured with MARC-LC following ceramic specimen interposition. Direct light transmission (T%) and absorbance (Abs%) of the specimens were measured with UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Roughness (Sa, Sq) and wettability (θ°) were measured with optical profilometry and sessile drop profile analysis, respectively. Biaxial flexural strength (σ) of the ceramic specimens was measured by the ball-on-three-balls method and ceramic specimens were examined microscopically. Statistical analyses was performed by two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc multiple comparisons (α=0.05). Acid neutralization decreased T% and increased Abs% in all LSC's and highest T% was exhibited with VS. Neutralized EC, VS and CD displayed higher Sa in HF9, while neutralized CT displayed higher Sa in HF5. Self-etch primer significantly reduced θ° (p<0.001). σ was observed in the followed ascending order: HF9+N<HF9<HF5+N<HF5<SEP <Control for all LSC's. Optical, topographical and mechanical properties of the CAD/CAM ceramic blocks were strongly dependent on the type of surface treatment. Results of neutralization post-etching indicate promising potential for future investigations.

Translucent multi-layered zirconia: Sandblasting effect on optical and mechanical properties.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the sandblasting treatment on the microstructure, optical and mechanical properties of multi-layered translucent zirconia. Samples of yttria-stabilized zirconia were prepared by stratifying four layers (L1, L2, L3 and L4) of ML-type KATANA multi-layered monolithic discs, whose surfaces were then sandblasted with alumina particles (110µm and 0.2MPa) in order to evaluate its effect on the presence of different crystalline phases as well as on the optical and mechanical properties of each of the four layers. The optical characterization was carried out by measuring the reflectance spectrum and colorimetric parameters by UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis and the transmittance curves were indirectly obtained using the Kubelka-Munk model (KM). Microstructural, structural, mechanical and roughness characterizations were also performed using SEM, XRD, biaxial flexural strength B3B, and light interferometry, respectively RESULTS: According to the KM model there are different degrees of translucency between the upper and lower layers of the monolithic discs, but there was no influence of the Al2O3-sandblasting treatment on this optical property. The disk pigmentation causes greater absorption of light below 600nm, decreasing the transmittance rate to values below 25% in this region of the spectrum. The yellowing index presented higher values for inner disk layers L3 and L4, in agreement with the highest values of the light absorption coefficient K observed for these layers. The roughness of the samples did not change significantly with the surface treatment performed and the sandblasting did not result in new crystalline phases. SEM analysis showed the presence of different grain sizes in all layers analyzed, being related to the co-occurring presence of cubic (c-ZrO2) and tetragonal (t-ZrO2) phases in similar contents (∼ 50wt%). The Weibull statistical analysis, in turn, showed an increase in the Weibull characteristic stress value (σ0) for most layers subjected to sandblasting, except for the second layer (central region of the disk). It was also verified an increase in the value of the structural reliability of the material (m), referring to the samples of the central region of the disc (L2 and L3 layers) after sandblasting. The pigmentation in the disk causes a decrease of the transmittance rate to values well below 25% in the region of the spectrum 400-600nm and the inner layers (L3 and L4) have even lower transmittance than the outer layers in this spectrum range. Although the CR index indicates variation related to the Al2O3-sandblasting treatment, the transmittance spectra of KM model show that the sandblasting did not cause a significant change in the transmittance rate of the four analyzed layers. Also, there is no significant difference in the light scattering of the different layers of the disc, either before or after Al2O3-sandblasting treatment.

Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Aged All-Ceramic Materials

Background: Our research aimed to compare the biaxial flexural strength of glass ceramic and two different monolithic zirconias after aging, examine the fracture surfaces with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and perform elemental analysis with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Methods: Two types of monolithic CAD/CAM materials (Katana UTML and Prettau Anterior) and a lithium disilicate material (IPS emax Press) were selected for this study. All samples were aged with a thermal cycle of 10000 cycles. The biaxial flexural strength of the disc specimens was determined using the three-ball piston test and a universal testing machine. Biaxial flexural strengths were compared for each group (n = 10). All fractured samples were examined by SEM and elemental analyzes were performed with EDS. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc (p&amp;lt;0.05). Results: Prettau Anterior showed a statistically significant difference between the other groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). Following Prettau Anterior (1141.81 MPa), IPS Emax Press (278.86 MPa) and Katana UTML (216.14 MPa) showed biaxial flexural strength, respectively. Conclusion: Compared to the other materials evaluated, Prettau Anterior had much higher biaxial flexural strength. Katana UTML and IPS emax Press show similar strength over the long term. It is seen that the chemical structure of the materials has an effect on the mechanical capacity. KEYWORDS: Biaxial Flexural Strength, Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic, Monolithic Zirconia

Post-polymerization of three-dimensional printing resin using a dental light curing unit

Background/PurposeIn vat photopolymerization, post-polymerization of the three-dimensional (3D) printing resin is necessary to ensure the optimum physical properties of the printed objects. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of a handheld polywave light-emitting diode (LED) dental light-curing unit (LCU) for post-polymerizing 3D printed resins by measuring the microhardness and biaxial flexural strength of the post-polymerized resin. Material and methods3D printed 1- and 2-mm-thick disks were irradiated with a dental LCU at 3200 mW/cm2. Post-polymerization was repeated either on one side from the top surface: two cycles (T2), four cycles (T4), and eight cycles (T8), or on both sides from the top and bottom surfaces: one cycle (T1B1), two cycles (T2B2), and four cycles (T4B4) for each side. The microhardness and biaxial strength of the disks were compared to those post-polymerized by a conventional desktop polymerizing unit (PC) and those without post-polymerization (NC). ResultsMicrohardness of the disks varied between the top and bottom surfaces of the 1-mm and 2-mm-thick disks, depending on the post-polymerization methods. T8 and T4B4 produced comparable microhardness on the top surface to PC for both thicknesses. In contrast, PC, T2B2, and T4B4 exhibited the highest microhardness on the bottom surface. Except for NC, the 1-mm-thick disks had a higher biaxial flexural strength than the 2-mm-thick disks. T4B4 resulted in the highest biaxial flexural strength for both thicknesses, which was comparable to that of the desktop polymerizing unit. ConclusionThe microhardness and biaxial flexural strengths of the post-polymerized 3D-printed disks increase with polymerization time. With sufficient polymerization from both sides, the polywave LCU has the potential to be a viable alternative to desktop polymerization units.

Is the adhesive or mechanical behavior of glass ceramics influenced by the adhesive layer application after etching and silanization?

Aim: This review investigated the effect of applying an adhesive after surface treatment of glass-ceramics on the bonding, mechanical or clinical behavior. Methods: Studies comparing the adhesive, mechanical or clinical behavior of glass-ceramics, with or without adhesive application after surface treatment, were included. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases (January 2022), resulting in 15 included studies. Results: Regarding the evaluated outcomes, 13 studies assessed bond strength, 2 studies assessed biaxial flexural strength and 1 study assessed fatigue failure load, while no study evaluating clinical outcomes was included. It was possible to observe that the adhesive application after ceramic surface treatment was unfavorable or did not influence the evaluated outcomes. Conclusion: Most of the evidence available in the literature shows that the adhesive application after surface treatment does not improve the adhesive and mechanical behavior of glass-ceramics.

The effect of varying monocalcium phosphate and polylysine levels on dental composite properties

ObjectivesThe aim was to quantify effects of polylysine (PLS, 2 or 5 wt%) and monocalcium phosphate (MCP, 4 or 8 wt%) on properties of dental composites. MethodsLight-activated, lower surface polymerisation kinetics versus sample depth (1–4 mm) of 4 formulations were quantified using ATR-FTIR. Water sorption and solubility (at 1 week) were assessed following ISO/4049. PLS release (over 1 month) and biaxial flexural strength (over 6 months) of fully-cured, water-immersed, 1 mm thick discs were determined. Surface mineral precipitation, following immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), was assessed by SEM. Z250 was used as a conventional composite comparator. ResultsWith 40s light exposure, increasing depth (from 1 to 4 mm) led to enhanced delay before polymerisation (from 3 to 17s) and decreased final conversion (72-66%) irrespective of PLS and MCP level. Increasing PLS and MCP raised solubility (4–13 μg/mm3). Water sorption (between 32 and 55 μg/mm3) and final PLS release (8–13% of disc content) were raised primarily by increasing PLS. Higher PLS also reduced strength. Strength reached minimum values (69–94 MPa) at 3 months. Surface mineral deposition was enhanced by increased MCP. For Z250, polymerisation delays (3-6s) and final conversions (55-54%) at 1-4 mm depth, solubility (0 μg/mm3), water sorption (16 μg/mm3) and strength (180 MPa) were all significantly different. ConclusionDelay time increased whilst final conversion decreased with thicker samples. Higher PLS enhances its percentage release, but lower level is required to keep water sorption, solubility and mechanical properties within ISO 4049 recommendations. Doubling MCP raises solubility and enhances minerals reprecipitation with minimal mechanical property compromise.

EFFECT OF TiO2 DECORATED CELLULOSIC MATERIALS ADDITION ON MECHANICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF DENTAL ADHESIVE COMPOSITES

The purpose of this study was to prepare cellulose fibers decorated with titanium dioxide, and then incorporate them into the formulation of dental adhesive composites. The influence of this filler on the mechanical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the composites was examined. Different proportions of the filler were mixed with the monomers and then the prepared materials were analyzed through chemical, mechanical, and microscopic characterization. Biocompatibility tests were performed using fibroblast cell lines. Mechanical characterization included the hardness test, the biaxial flexural strength (BFS) test, and the shear bond strength test (SBT). The fillers were found biocompatible, as suggested by the Alamar blue assay, while the mechanical properties of the composites increased with higher filler content. The experimental composite presented good mechanical and biological properties, and thus, it can be used as a dental adhesive material.

Finishing and Polishing Procedures and Glaze Application on Physical Properties of a Fine-Structure Feldspathic Ceramic.

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of finishing and polishing procedures and glaze application on biaxial strength and surface properties of milled feldspathic ceramic blocks. Forty disc-shaped samples (14 mm diameter, 1.2 mm thickness) were divided in four groups (n = 10): C (control): no finishing and polishing; FP: finishing and polishing; G: glaze; and GFP: finishing and polishing + glaze. The specimens were subject to surface gloss (glossmeter) and roughness (profilometer) tests followed by biaxial flexural strength (universal testing machine) and Vickers hardness (microhardness tester) tests. The surface morphological analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy (n = 3). Data were submitted to normality tests with Shapiro-Wilk, and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Group C showed the lowest gloss. For the hardness test, groups C, FP, and GFP obtained the highest values without significant differences between them. Regarding the biaxial strength test, group C showed the lowest mean value. Both finishing and polishing methods (FP and GFP) showed surface properties similar or better than the control, and with higher biaxial strength.

Comparison of properties and cost efficiency of zirconia processed by DIW printing, casting and CAD/CAM-milling.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties and cost efficiency of direct ink writing (DIW) printing of two different zirconia inks compared to casting and subtractive manufacturing. Zirconia disks were manufactured by DIW printing and the casting process and divided into six subgroups (n=20) according to sintering temperatures (1350°C, 1450°C and 1550°C) and two different ink compositions (Ink 1, Ink 2). A CAD/CAM-milled high strength zirconia (3Y-TZP) was added as reference group. The biaxial flexural strength (BFS) was measured using the piston-on-three-balls test. X-ray-diffraction (XRD) was used for microstructural analysis. The cost efficiency was compared for DIW printing and subtractive manufacturing by calculation of the manufacturing costs of one dental crown. Using XRD, monoclinic and tetragonal phases were detected for Ink 1, for all other groups no monoclinic phase was detected. The CAD/CAM-milled ceramic showed a significantly higher BFS than all other groups. The BFS of Ink 2 was significantly higher than the BFS of Ink 1. At a sintering temperature of 1550°C the mean BFS of the printed Ink 2 was 822±174MPa. The BFS of the cast materials did not show a significantly higher BFS than the corresponding printed group for any tested parameter-set. The manufacturing costs of DIW printed crowns are lower than the manufacturing costs of CAD/CAM-milled crowns. DIW has a high potential to replace subtractive processes for dental applications, as it shows promising mechanical properties for appropriate ink compositions and facilitates a highly cost effective production.

The Effect of Two Sintering Cycles and Aging on Biaxial Flexural Strength of Strength Gradient Multi-Layered Zirconia (In vitro Study)

The Effect of Two Sintering Cycles and Aging on Biaxial Flexural Strength of Strength Gradient Multi-Layered Zirconia (In vitro Study)

The combined effects of binder addition and different sintering methods on the mechanical properties of bovine hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite (HA) from bovine bones has been used as a biomaterial in dentistry due to its biocompatibility and bioactivity. However, dense HA bioceramics still present inadequate properties for applications that require high mechanical performance, such as infrastructure. Microstructural reinforcements and control of ceramic processing steps are methods to improve these shortcomings. The present study assessed the effects of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) addition in combination with two sintering methodologies (2-step and conventional), on the mechanical properties of polycrystalline bovine HA bioceramics. The samples were divided into four groups (with 15 samples per group): conventional sintering with binder (HBC) and without binder (HWC) and 2-step sintering with (HB2) and without binder (HW2). HA was extracted from bovine bones, turned into nanoparticles in a ball mill, and subjected to uniaxial and isostatic pressing into discs, according to ISO 6872 standards. All groups were characterized by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and relative density. Besides, mechanical analyses (biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and modulus of elasticity) were also performed. The characterization results demonstrated that adding agglutinants or the sintering method did not affect HA's chemical and structural characteristics. Even so, the HWC group showed the highest mechanical values for BFS and modulus of elasticity being 109.0 (98.0; 117.0) MPa and 105.17 ± 14.65 GPa, respectively. The HA ceramics submitted to conventional sintering and without the addition of binders achieved better mechanical properties than the other groups. The impacts of each variable were discussed and correlated to the final microstructures and mechanical properties.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the analysis of zirconia crystalline phase transformation

This study aimed to validate the Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the analysis of the transformed zone of two dental zirconia-based materials after hydrothermal ageing and correlate the values with biaxial flexural strength. Kinetics of tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation (t→m) was calculated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed a sigmoidal transformation rate over time due to the limited X-ray maximum penetration depth. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and OCT showed a linear relationship between the thickness of the transformed layer and the ageing time. The apparent activation energy was 104.5 kJ/mol and 106.7 kJ/mol (SEM) and 106 kJ/mol and 99.4 kJ/mol (OCT) for the infrastructure and monolithic dental zirconia, respectively. Mechanical strength decreased after 150 h. of ageing at 150 °C for both materials showing a correlation with the depth of the transformed zone observed by OCT. Therefore, both monoclinic phase percentage and the depth of the transformed layer are critical concerning zirconia mechanical properties upon hydrothermal ageing. OCT is a non-destructive, fast, innovative, and accurate method for the analysis of zirconia's t→m phase transformation depth kinetics after hydrothermal ageing.

Assessment of Mechanical/Chemical Properties and Cytotoxicity of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements Containing Sr/F-Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles and Methacrylate Functionalized Polyacids.

This study prepared low-toxicity, elemental-releasing resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs). The effect of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA, 0 or 5 wt%) and Sr/F-bioactive glass nanoparticles (Sr/F-BGNPs, 5 or 10 wt%) on chemical/mechanical properties and cytotoxicity were examined. Commercial RMGIC (Vitrebond, VB) and calcium silicate cement (Theracal LC, TC) were used as comparisons. Adding HEMA and increasing Sr/F-BGNPs concentration decreased monomer conversion and enhanced elemental release but without significant effect on cytotoxicity. Rising Sr/F-BGNPs reduced the strength of the materials. The degree of monomer conversion of VB (96%) was much higher than that of the experimental RMGICs (21-51%) and TC (28%). The highest biaxial flexural strength of experimental materials (31 MPa) was significantly lower than VB (46 MPa) (p < 0.01) but higher than TC (24 MPa). The RMGICs with 5 wt% HEMA showed higher cumulative fluoride release (137 ppm) than VB (88 ppm) (p < 0.01). Unlike VB, all experimental RMGICs showed Ca, P, and Sr release. Cell viability in the presence of extracts from experimental RMGICs (89-98%) and TC (93%) was significantly higher than for VB (4%). Experimental RMGICs showed desirable physical/mechanical properties with lower toxicity than the commercial material.

Effect of crystal orientation on flexural strength of pressable lithium disilicate glass-ceramics.

This study examined the crystal orientation of four kinds of pressable lithium disilicate glass-ceramics and evaluated the effect of crystal orientation on flexural strength. Bar-shaped (24 mm in length, 1.2 mm in thickness, 4.0 mm in width), disk-shaped (12 mm in diameter, 0.5 mm in thickness), and crown-shaped (maxillary first molar) specimens were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. Three-point and biaxial flexural strengths were measured for bar- and disk-shaped specimens. Microstructure analysis was performed using X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. Three-point flexural strength was improved by parallel crystal orientation along the longitudinal direction of the bar-shaped specimen. There was no relationship between two-dimensional crystal orientation and biaxial flexural strength. The results of this study assumed that biaxial flexural strength was improved by the crystal orientation in the cross-sectional direction. Pressed restorations are expected to possess higher strength than milled restorations due to their crystal orientation.

Surface hardness and flexural strength of dual-cured bulk-fill restorative materials after solvent storage

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the surface hardness (VHN) and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of dual-cured bulk-fill restorative materials after solvent storage.MethodsTwo dual-cured bulk-fill composites (Surefil One® and Activa™ Bioactive), a light-cured bulk-fill composite (Filtek One Bulk-Fill) and a resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC) were investigated. Surefil One and Activa were used in the dual-cure mode, all materials were handled according to manufacturer’s instructions. For VHN determination, 12 specimens were prepared from each material and measured after 1 h (baseline), 1 d, 7 d and 30 d of storage in either water or 75% ethanol–water. For BFS test, 120 specimens were prepared (n = 30/material) and stored in water for either 1, 7 or 30 d before testing. Repeated measures MANOVA, two-way and one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05) were used to analyze the data.ResultsFiltek One had the highest VHN, while Activa had the lowest. All materials exhibited a significant increase in VHN after 1d of storage in water, except for Surefil One. After 30 d of storage, VHN increased significantly in water except for Activa, while ethanol storage caused a significant time-dependent reduction in all tested materials (p ≤ 0.05). Filtek One showed the highest BFS values (p ≤ 0.05). All the materials, except for Fuji II LC, exhibited no significant differences between 1 and 30 d BFS measurements (p > 0.05).ConclusionsDual-cured materials had significantly lower VHN and BFS compared to the light-cured bulk-fill material. The low results of Activa VHN and Surefil One BFS, indicate that these materials should not be recommended in posterior stress-bearing areas.

Pre-cementation treatment of glass-ceramics with vacuum impregnated resin coatings.

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a vacuum impregnation process to eliminate the porosity at the ceramic-resin interface to optimize the reinforcement of a glass-ceramic by resin cementation. 100 leucite glass-ceramic disks (1.0±0.1mm thickness) were air-abraded, etched with 9.6% HF acid, and silanated. Specimens were randomly allocated to 5 groups (n=20). Group A received no further treatment (uncoated control). Groups B and D were resin-coated under atmospheric pressure, whereas groups C and E were resin-coated using vacuum impregnation. The polymerized resin-coating surfaces of specimens in groups B and C were polished to achieve a resin thickness of 100±10µm, while in groups D and E no resin-coating modification was performed prior to bi-axial flexure strength (BFS) determination. Optical microscopy was undertaken on the fracture fragments to identify the failure mode and origin. Comparisons of BFS group means were made by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test at α=0.05. All resin-coated sample groups (B-E) showed a statistically significant increase in mean BFS compared with the uncoated control (p<0.01). There was a significant difference in BFS between the ambient and vacuum impregnated unpolished groups (D and E) (p<0.01), with the greatest strengthening achieved using a vacuum impregnation technique. Results highlight the opportunity to further develop processes to apply thin conformal resin coatings, applied as a pre-cementation step to strengthen dental glass-ceramics.

Transient thermal stresses developed during speed sintering of 3mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals.

To investigate transient thermal stresses that developed in 3Y-TZP green compacts during speed sintering. A total of 312 disc-shaped green compacts (Ø17.1×1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3mm) were cold-isostatically pressed from 3Y-TZP powder (Zpex, Tosoh Corp.) for speed sintering studies as well as compositional analysis and biaxial flexural strength measurements (both at room temperature and following heating at 90°C/min to 500°C). Flexural strength was determined using the piston-on-3-ball method. Phase assemblies were analyzed using the X-ray diffraction method. Effects of heating/cooling rates on transient stresses were investigated by conducting definitive sintering studies to determine the threshold for fracture. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to validate the experimental findings using measured thermomechanical properties. The bulk and relative density of the green compact were 2.95±0.03g/cm3 and 48.52%±0.45%. The flexural strength was drastically decreased from 10.3±0.4MPa to 1.09±0.07MPa following heating at 90°C/min to 500°C. The monoclinic and tetragonal contents were 54.9% and 45.1%, respectively. The threshold for fracture was located at 500°C during the first heating stage with a 90°C/min heating rate in specimens of 2.5mm thickness or greater. No fractures occurred in the second heating stage and cooling phase. The FEA estimated that the principal transient tensile stress was ∼1.14MPa at 500°C during the heating phase, which exceeded the corresponding flexural strength (1.09±0.07MPa). Advanced FEA methods are an accurate and efficient tool to analyze the history of transient stresses during sintering of ceramic dental restorations.

Manufacturing and characterization of a 3D printed lithium disilicate ceramic via robocasting: A pilot study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to manufacture and to evaluate the physico-mechanical properties of the Lithium disilicate (Li2O5Si2) ceramic structures fabricated using additive manufacturing (3D printing). MethodsLi2O5Si2 samples were divided into (n = 30/group): SM (subtractively manufactured) and AR (additive/robocasting). For the AR group, Li2O5Si2 powder was combined with ammonium polyacrylate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and polyelectrolyte to create a colloidal gel, which was then used for printing. A digital CAD model of a disc was designed, and the G-code transferred to a custom built DIW 3D printer. The control group samples were prepared using pre-crystallized ceramic blocks, which were cut to obtain discs with same dimensions as the AR group. Disc-shaped specimens from both groups were crystallized at 840 °C. Mechanical properties were evaluated using biaxial flexural strength test (BFS) and Vickers hardness test. Representative fractographic images of the specimens were acquired using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the fracture origin and crack propagation. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) were used for chemical analysis, and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) was performed to analyze the crystalline phases. ResultsAR group yielded lower values of BFS (120.02 MPa ±33.91) and hardness (4.07 GPa ±0.30), relative to the SM group, (325.09 MPa ±63.98) and (5.63 GPa ±0.14), respectively. For EDS analysis, AR and SM groups showed similar elemental composition. In FTIR-ATR analysis, higher peaks referring to the crystalline structure were found for SM group. XRD analysis indicated a decreased formation of Li2O5Si2 from Lithium metasilicate (Li2O–SiO2) in the AM group. SEM micrographs showed a more porous microstructure associated with the 3D printed samples. SignificanceThe viability of fabricating Li2O5Si2 ceramic constructs using the Robocasting technique was successful. However, the samples prepared using subtractive manufacturing presented higher mechanical properties compared to the 3D printed constructs. The difference in properties between the manufacturing may be correlated to the decreased formation of Li2O5Si2 crystals and higher degrees of porosity.

Optimizing the fabrication conditions of monolithic mullite whisker membrane from kaolin and bauxite using the Taguchi method

In this study, low-cost porous mullite whisker membranes were synthesized from kaolin and bauxite, based on a Taguchi design of experiments. AlF3.3H2O and MoO3 were used as additives, and the sintering temperatures ranged between 1100 and 1300 °C. The membranes were subjected to various tests, including XRD, SEM, Mercury, and Archimedes tests, biaxial flexural strength, and permeation measurements of pure water and oily water emulsion. The synthesis conditions were optimized using the Taguchi model and the utility concept. The optimum conditions were found to be 4 wt % of AlF3.3H2O and 6 wt % of MoO3, sintered at 1300 °C, resulting in an apparent porosity of 50.37% and a biaxial flexural strength of 75.21 MPa. SEM images and XRD analysis of the optimized sample showed needle-shaped interlocked network structures with 95.4 wt % of mullite phase. The pure water permeance was measured to be 838.64 L/m2 h bar, and its oil rejection at 3 bar was 95.4%. The monolithic mullite membrane synthesized under optimized conditions in this study exhibited excellent performance and lower production costs in comparison to monolithic ceramic MF membranes produced in previous studies.