Higher Biaxial Flexural Strength Research Articles

Surface Modification of Feldspathic Ceramic Used for Minimally Invasive Restorations: Effect of Airborne Particle Type on the Surface Properties and Biaxial Flexural Strength.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of airborne particle abrasion with different particles on the surface free energy, roughness, and biaxial flexural strength of a feldspathic ceramic by comparing it with hydrofluoric acid etching, the standard surface treatment, and polishing. Square-shaped feldspathic ceramic specimens (12 mm × 12 mm × 1.2 mm) were divided into subgroups as airborne particles abraded with alumina (AO3a, AO3b, AO25, AO50a, AO50b, AO90, AO110a, AO110b, AO120a, and AO120b), silica (SO50a, SO50b, SO100, and SO100/200), or nutshell granule (NS100/200), hydrofluoric acid etched, and polished (n = 12). Surface free energy (n = 5), roughness (n = 5), biaxial flexural strength (n = 12), and Weibull moduli (n = 12) were investigated. Data were evaluated with 1-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests, and possible correlations were investigated with Pearson's correlation (α = 0.05). SO100/200 mostly had lower surface free energy (p ≤ 0.011), and polishing and etching led to higher surface free energy than AO3a, AO3b, and AO120a (p ≤ 0.031). Polished, SO100, and SO50b specimens mostly had lower roughness and AO125 had the highest roughness (p ≤ 0.029). SO100/200 mostly had lower biaxial flexural strength (p ≤ 0.041), and etched specimens had higher biaxial flexural strength than AO120a, AO120b, and SO50b (p ≤ 0.043). AO3b had the highest (33.56) and AO120b had the lowest (11.8) Weibull modulus. There was a weak positive correlation between the surface free energy and the biaxial flexural strength (r = 0.267, p = 0.011). A larger particle size mostly resulted in higher roughness, which was also affected by the particle shape. Most of the test groups had similar biaxial flexural strength to that of the hydrofluoric acid-etched group. Therefore, for tested feldspathic ceramic, airborne particle abrasion with tested parameters may be a suitable alternative without causing any further damage.

Translucency and Strength of Lithium Disilicate for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing at Different Thermal Temperatures and Thicknesses: An In Vitro Study.

To manufacture dental restorations composed of lithium disilicate (LD) through the computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) process, thermal refinement is an essential process that can affect the optical and mechanical properties of ceramics. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the translucency and flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic for CAD/CAM using different thermal refinement schedules and thicknesses by measuring the total transmission of light through the specimen and calculating the peak load of the specimen until fracture in a piston-on-three-ball test, respectively. The results showed that a lower translucency was exhibited in thicker specimens, and the flexural strength decreased in the order of 1.0, 0.5, and 2.0 mm (p < 0.05). The lithium disilicates thermally refined at a heat of 820 degrees were shown to have the highest biaxial flexural strength (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that it is possible to adjust transparency and strength according to the clinical situation by choosing an appropriate thickness and thermal refinement process.

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.

Effect of veneering material type and thickness ratio on flexural strength of bi-layered PEEK restorations before and after thermal cycling

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was evaluating the biaxial strength of bi-layered PEEK restorations before and after aging using different veneering materials in different thickness ratios.Material and MethodsNinety specimens of thickness 1.5 mm were divided into three groups according to their veneering material. Group (CAD LD): BioHPP discs veneered with CAD milled lithium disilicate (n=30), group (CAD C): BioHPP discs veneered with CAD milled composite (n=30), and group (LC): BioHPP discs veneered with conventionally layered composite (n=30). Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups (n=10) according to the different thickness ratios between the core and the veneering material (TC:TV). Subgroup 1: TC:TV=1:0.5, subgroup 2: TC:TV=0.7:0.8, and subgroup 3: TC:TV=0.5:1. Half of the specimens of each subgroup were subjected to thermocycling, and the bi-axial flexural strength of all specimens was tested before and after aging. Three-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc test were used for data analysis. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsMaterial, thickness ratio, and aging all had a significant effect on biaxial flexural strength. (LC) group had the highest biaxial flexural strength. TC:TV=0.5:1 showed the lowest biaxial flexural strength. All groups showed significant decrease in biaxial flexural strength after aging.ConclusionsVeneering material for PEEK together with the thickness ratio between the core and veneering material greatly affect the flexural strength of bi-layered restorations. Thermocycling negatively impacts the flexural strength of PEEK bi-layered restorations.Clinical significanceAccording to the results of that study, PEEK cores are best veneered with conventionally layered composite with core to veneering thickness ratio being 1:0.5.

Effect of surface treatments on biaxial flexural strength, fatigue resistance, and fracture toughness of high versus low translucency zirconia

BackgroundMechanical surface treatments can deteriorate the mechanical properties of zirconia. This study evaluated and compared the biaxial flexural strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue resistance of high translucency (HT) to low translucency (LT) zirconia after various mechanical surface treatments.MethodsFour hundred eighty zirconia discs were prepared by milling and sintering two HT (Katana and BruxZir) and LT (Cercon and Lava) zirconia blocks at targeted dimensions of 12 mm diameter × 1.2 mm thickness. Sintered zirconia discs received one of the following surface treatments: low-pressure airborne particle abrasion (APA) using 50 µm alumina particles, grinding using 400 grit silicon carbide paper, while as-sintered specimens served as control. Internal structure and surface roughness were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a non-contact laser profilometer, respectively. Half of the discs were tested for initial biaxial flexural strength, while the rest was subjected to 106 cyclic fatigue loadings, followed by measuring the residual biaxial flexural strength. Fractured surfaces were examined for critical size defects (c) using SEM to calculate the fracture toughness (KIC). The effect of surface treatments, zirconia type, and cyclic fatigue on the biaxial flexural strength was statistically analyzed using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Weibull analysis was done to evaluate the reliability of the flexural strength for different materials.ResultsThe initial biaxial flexural strength of LT zirconia was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of HT zirconia in all groups. While low APA significantly increased the biaxial flexural strength of LT zirconia, no significant change was observed for HT zirconia except for Katana. Surface grinding and cyclic fatigue significantly reduced the flexural strength of all groups. High translucency zirconia reported higher fracture toughness, yet with lower Weibull moduli, compared to LT zirconia.ConclusionLT zirconia has higher biaxial flexural strength, yet with lower fracture toughness and fatigue resistance, compared to HT zirconia. Low-pressure APA has significantly increased the biaxial flexural strength in all zirconia groups except BruxZir. Grinding was deteriorating to biaxial flexural strength and fracture toughness in all zirconia types. Cyclic fatigue has significantly decreased the biaxial flexural strength and reliability of HT and LT zirconia.

Translucency, color stability, and biaxial flexural strength of advanced lithium disilicate ceramic after coffee thermocycling.

To compare the color stability, translucency, and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of differently glazed advanced lithium disilicate (ALDS) with those of lithium disilicate (LDS) and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) after coffee thermocycling. Forty disk-shaped specimens were prepared from three lithium silicate based materials (CEREC Tessera, ALDS; IPS e.max CAD, LDS; Vita Suprinity, ZLS). ALDS specimens were divided into two subgroups according to glazing procedures (reduced glaze duration, ALDS-S and normal glaze duration, ALDS-N), while LDS and ZLS specimens were crystallized and glazed. Color coordinate measurements were performed before and after coffee thermocycling. Color differences (ΔE00 ) and relative translucency parameters (RTP) were calculated. Specimens were then subjected to BFS test. Statistical analysis was performed by using 1- (ΔE00 and BFS) and 2-way (RTP) ANOVA tests (α=0.05). ΔE00 values of tested materials were similar (df=3, F=0.150, p=0.929). Two-way ANOVA showed the significant effect of material type, coffee thermocycling, and the interaction between these parameters on RTP values (p < 0.001). Both before and after thermocycling, LDS had the highest (p ≤ 0.001) and ZLS had the lowest (p < 0.001) RTP values, while ALDS-N had higher RTP than ALDS-S (p ≤0.001). Among tested materials, only LDS had similar RTP values before and after thermocycling (p=0.865) as the other materials had lower RTP values after thermocycling (p < 0.001). ALDS-N had higher BFS values than ALDS-S (p=0.005), while LDS had similar values to ALDS specimens (p ≥ 0.201). ZLS had the highest BFS (p ≤ 0.007). ALDS had comparable values to those of other materials. However, reduced glazing duration resulted in decreased translucency and BFS of ALDS. ALDS may be an appropriate restorative material for those patients with increased coffee consumption considering its color stability and ability to maintain translucency, particularly when glazed by using a conventional porcelain furnace.

Stability of Cantilever Fixed Dental Prostheses on Zirconia Implants.

Background: The objective was to determine the optimal connector size and position within zirconia disks for implant-supported cantilever fixed dental prostheses (ICFDP). Methods: Two-unit ICFDPs (n = 60) were designed for the premolar region with connector sizes of either 9 or 12 mm2 and positioned in the enamel or dentin layer of two different types of zirconia disks. The restorations were milled and cemented onto zirconia implants. After simulated chewing for 1.2 Mio cycles, the fracture load was measured and fractures were analyzed. Results: No fractures of ICFDPs or along the implants were detected after simulated aging. The mean fracture load values were significantly higher for a connector size of 9 mm2 (951 N) compared with 12 mm2 (638 N). For the zirconia material with a higher biaxial flexural strength, the fracture load values were increased from 751 to 838 N, but more implant fractures occurred. The position within the zirconia disk did not influence the fracture load. Conclusions: A connector size of 9 mm2 and a zirconia material with a lower strength should be considered when designing ICFDPS on zirconia implants to reduce the risk of fractures along the intraosseous implant portion.

Chemical and mechanical properties of dual-polymerizing core build-up materials

ObjectivesTo investigate the chemical (degree of conversion (DC)) and mechanical properties (Martens hardness (HM), elastic indentation modulus (EIT), and biaxial flexural strength (BFS)) of four dual-polymerizing resin composite core build-up materials after light- and self-polymerization.Materials and methodsRound specimens with a diameter of 12 mm and a thickness of 1.5 mm were manufactured from CLEARFIL DC CORE PLUS (CLE; Kuraray), core·X flow (COR; Dentsply Sirona), MultiCore Flow (MUL; Ivoclar Vivadent), and Rebilda DC (REB; VOCO) (N = 96, n = 24/material). Half of the specimens were light-polymerized (Elipar DeepCure-S, 3 M), while the other half cured by self-polymerization (n = 12/group). Immediately after fabrication, the DC, HM, EIT, and BFS were determined. Data was analyzed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests, Spearman’s correlation, and Weibull statistics (p < 0.05).ResultsLight-polymerization either led to similar EIT (MUL; p = 0.119) and BFS (MUL and REB; p = 0.094–0.326) values or higher DC, HM, EIT, and BFS results (all other groups; p < 0.001–0.009). When compared with the other materials, COR showed a high DC (p < 0.001) and HM (p < 0.001) after self-polymerization and the highest BFS (p = 0.020) and Weibull modulus after light-polymerization. Positive correlations between all four tested parameters (R = 0.527–0.963, p < 0.001) were found.ConclusionsFor the tested resin composite core build-up materials, light-polymerization led to similar or superior values for the degree of conversion, Martens hardness, elastic indentation modulus, and biaxial flexural strength than observed after self-polymerization. Among the tested materials, COR should represent the resin composite core build-up material of choice due to its high chemical (degree of conversion) and mechanical (Martens hardness, elastic indentation modulus, and biaxial flexural strength) properties and its high reliability after light-polymerization. The examined chemical and mechanical properties showed a positive correlation.Clinical relevanceThe chemical and mechanical performance of dual-polymerizing resin composite core build-up materials is significantly affected by the chosen polymerization mode.

Temporary 3D printed fixed dental prosthesis materials: Impact of post printing cleaning methods on degree of conversion as well as surface and mechanical properties.

To investigate the influence of different cleaning methods for additively manufactured fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) for long-term temporary use on the degree of conversion (DC), surface roughness, Martens parameters, and biaxial flexural strength. A total of 180 specimens per material (3Delta Etemp, DeltaMed; Freeprint Temp, Detax; Temp PRINT, GC Europe; Temp C&B and C&B MFH, NextDent; N = 180) were additively manufactured (D20 II, Rapid Shape) and subsequently cleaned by different methods: by rinsing for 5 minutes in acetone (Höfer Chemie; 99.5%); butyl glycol (Algin Chemie; 100%); ethanol (Otto Fischar; 96%); isopropanol (SAV LP; 100%); Yellow Magic 7 (Bradley Systems; 100%); or by applying centrifugal force for 4 minutes (n = 30 per subgroup). After postpolymerization (Otoflash G171, NK-Optik), the DC was measured using Raman spectroscopy, and the surface roughness, as well as the Martens parameters, were recorded. Biaxial flexural strength was investigated after artificial aging (thermocycling for 10,000 cycles). Data were statistically analyzed (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests, and Pearson correlation coefficient). The highest DC was recorded after the use of butyl glycol or isopropyl (P < .001 to P = .047). The highest surface roughness was measured after the use of butyl glycol (P < .001 to P = .024). The use of centrifugal force or Yellow Magic resulted in the highest Martens parameter values (P < .001 to P = .036) and the highest biaxial flexural strength (P < .001 to P = .013), while acetone and butyl glycol led to the lowest values. The use of centrifugal force and Yellow Magic resulted in the highest Martens parameter values and the highest biaxial flexural strength. Concerning Yellow Magic, no negative effect on the mechanical properties was observed. The 3Delta Etemp material especially was prone to degradation after chemical cleaning.

Impact of Different Surface Treatments on Zirconia Strength

Background: Intraoral polishing of zirconia surfaces had led to a significant increase in the surface smoothness and flexural strength of zirconia after surface modifications in the try-in procedure; this is a straightforward procedure and does not need any laboratory interventions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on yttrium-stabilized zirconia restorations. Materials and Methods: In this study, 36 disk-shaped specimens from zirconia blocks were milled using a CAD-CAM machine with 12 mm diameter and 1.4 mm thickness for 27 disks; however, 12 mm diameter and 1.2 mm thickness were used for nine disks as a control group. They were sintered and glazed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The control group (GA) remained untouched, whereas the other specimens were ground with a diamond rotary instrument. The final dimension was 12 mm in diameter and 1.2 ± 0.1 mm in thickness. The disks were divided into three groups: Grinded group (GB) without any additional surface treatment; reglazed group (GC) by adding glaze material; and polished group (GD), polished with an intraoral polishing kit. The specimens were subjected to a biaxial flexural strength (BFS) test. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) significant difference tests (a = 0.05). Results: Descriptive statistics shows that the highest BFS was recorded for the GD followed by GB, and both GA and GC show nearly similar values. The LSD tests revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between GD and GA (P &lt; 0.05), GD had significantly increased the BFS value after being polished compared with other groups, and there was a statistically significant difference between GB and GA (P &lt; 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between GC and GA (P = 0.494). Conclusion: Grinding and polishing techniques significantly increased the flexural strength of full-contoured zirconia, whereas reglazing significantly decreased it.

Mechanical Behavior of Ceramic Monolithic Systems With Different Thicknesses.

This study assessed the fully stabilized zirconia (FSZ) Prettau Anterior, the partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) Prettau, and the lithium disilicate IPS e.max CAD (LD) through microstructural and mechanical characterization and effect of thickness on fracture load of the ceramics. Disk-shaped specimens (12 mm diameter and 1.2 mm thickness) were prepared for biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and Weibull statistics (n=30). For the fracture load static test (FLST) and Weibull statistics (n=30), disk-shaped specimens 12 mm in diameter and thicknesses of 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 1.5 mm were cemented on an epoxy-resin substrate. BFS (MPa) results were PSZ: 683.0 ± 70.23; FSZ: 438.6 ± 64.1; and LD: 248.6 ± 37.3. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for BFS was significant (p<0.001), and the Tukey post hoc test showed differences among all ceramics. There was difference in characteristic strength, but there was no difference in Weibull modulus. Two-way ANOVA for FLST was significant for ceramic (p<0001), thickness (p<0001), and interaction (p<0001). There was no difference among all ceramics at the 0.5 mm thickness. PSZ had higher values for the 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thicknesses. LD of 1.5 mm thickness exhibited a higher FLST than FSZ. PSZ had the highest BFS, but when cemented on a substrate, all ceramics with 0.5 mm thickness behaved similarly. Despite the lower BFS, LD had a fracture load similar or superior to FSZ when cemented on a substrate.

Development of calcium phosphate/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate particles for dental applications

This study describes the synthesis of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) particles in the presence of different ethylene glycol dimethacrylates (EGDMA, ethylene glycol/EG units: 1, 2, 3 or 4) at two monomer-to-ammonium phosphate molar ratios (1:1 and 2:1), as a strategy to develop CaP-monomer particles with improved interaction with resin matrices. Particles displaying high surface areas and organic contents were added to a photocurable BisGMA-TEGDMA resin and the resulting materials were tested for degree of conversion (DC), biaxial flexural strength (BFS), flexural modulus, and ion release. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn test (alpha: 0.05). Functionalization with EGDMA derivatives was dependent upon the length of the spacer group and monomer concentration in the synthesis. No differences in DC were observed among materials (p > 0.05). A 39% increase in BFS was obtained with the use of particles with the highest functionalization level compared to non-functionalized particles (p < 0.001). The use of functionalized DCPD reduced flexural modulus in comparison to non-functionalized particles (p < 0.001). Calcium release was similar among materials and remained constant during the experiment, while phosphate release was higher at 7 days in comparison to the remaining weeks (p < 0.001). In conclusion, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate resulted in the highest functionalization levels and the highest BFS among DCPD-containing materials. Ion release was not affected by functionalization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 708-715, 2019.

Effects of deformation rate variation on biaxial flexural properties of dental resin composites.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of resin composite materials at distinct deformation rates.MethodsTwo micro-hybrid [Filtek Z100™ Restorative (Z100), Filtek™ Z250 (Z250)] and two nano-filled [Filtek™ Supreme XT Body (FSB), Filtek™ Supreme Translucent (FST)] composite resins were selected. Disc-shaped (12 × 1 mm) specimens were fabricated using nylon split moulds. Bar-shaped specimens (25 × 2 × 2 mm) were fabricated from each material to determine the flexural modulus. The specimens were tested for BFS and flexural modulus under dry and wet conditions after 1, 13, and 52 weeks.ResultsThe highest BFS was recorded for Z250 (162 ± 19 MPa), followed by FST (154 ± 16 MPa), Z100 (150 ± 18 MPa), and FSB (136 ± 18 MPa). The materials exhibited a clear trend of increase in BFS with deformation rate. Following immersion for 1 week, the BFS was 126 ± 18 MPa for Z100, and 124 ± 17 MPa for Z250, which were higher than those of FSB (99 ± 16 MPa) and FST (115 ± 19 MPa) under comparable conditions. There was a remarkable reduction in the flexural moduli of the specimens immersed for 1 week compared to those of the dry specimens: Z100 (from 18.3 ± 1.2 GPa for dry specimen to 15.7 ± 0.8 GPa after immersion for 1 week), Z250 (from 16.7 ± 0.8 GPa to 13.3 ± 1.4 GPa), FSB (from 13.7 ± 0.6 GPa to 11.0 ± 2.1 GPa) and FST (from 12.7 ± 2.3 GPa to 10.4 ± 1.0 GPa).ConclusionThis study concludes that the BFS and flexural moduli of resin-based dental restoratives decline when they are immersed in an aqueous medium until saturation with water. However, after equilibrium is established, the immersion medium does not affect the restorative materials further. Variations in deformation rate did not have a significant effect on the BFS of resin-based dental restoratives.

Effects of various surface treatments on the biaxial flexural properties of yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the influence of different surface treatments and their cumulative effects on the biaxial flexural properties and phase transformation of yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics. Materials and Methods: A total of fifty specimens were fabricated by computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing machining from Cercon®. The samples were divided into five groups following different surface treatments as control (C), air particle abrasion (Si), mechanical loading (ML), low-temperature degradation (LTD), and cumulative treatment (CT) groups. Statistical Analysis Used: The results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test. Two-way ANOVA was used to find significance between the test and the control groups. Tukey's HSD test was carried out to determine any significant difference among the groups. Results: The highest biaxial flexural strength was observed in the Si group (950.2 ± 126.7 MPa) followed by the LTD group (861.3 ± 166.8 MPa), CT group (851.2 ± 126.5 MPa), and the least with the ML group (820 ± 110 MPa). Significant difference was observed in two-way ANOVA test. Tukey's HSD test showed that there was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between the C and Si groups and C and LTD groups; however, no significant difference was observed (P ≥ 0.05) between the C and ML groups and C and CT groups. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the control group consisted of 100% tetragonal zirconia while the maximum amount of monoclinic phase was obtained after the LTD treatment. Conclusions: Air particle abrasion with CoJet Sand, LTD, and CTs had no negative impact on biaxial flexural strength indeed it increased the biaxial flexural strength. Hence, these surface treatments can be done in routine clinical practice to improve the performance of ceramic restorations.

Effects of artificial aging on the biaxial flexural strength of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 and Y-TZP after various occlusal adjustments

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aging on the biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 and Y-TZP after occlusal adjustment. NanoZr block (Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 nanocomposite) and Katana zirconia block (Y-TZP) were prepared by milling with the aid of CAD/CAM into disk-shaped specimens. For each type of zirconia, 16 specimens were prepared without grinding for the control group (diameter of 16 mm and thickness of 1.20±0.05 mm, mean±SD), while 48 specimens were prepared for 3 experimental groups ( n =16 each; 16 mm in diameter and 1.50±0.05 mm thick) with different types of surface grinding: superfine diamond bur (group I), zirconia stone bur (group II), and zirconia stone and fine polishing bur (group III). These specimens underwent an aging process in a steam autoclave for 5 h at 0.2 MPa and 134 °C, and then X-ray diffractometry was applied along with measurements of surface roughness and BFS. After occlusal adjustment, the monoclinic phase percentage increased in 3 experimental groups. Overall the increase was greater for Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 than for Y-TZP. The Ra value showed similar changes for both types of zirconia. Following the aging process, Y-TZP showed a greater increase in the monoclinic phase percentage, but the change was not statistically significant. The Ra value showed similar changes in both types of zirconia, with no significant differences between before and after the aging process. The results of the BFS test showed that applying the aging process after grinding significantly increased the strength of both types of zirconia, with Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 being significantly stronger than Y-TZP. The specimens treated by a superfine diamond bur exhibited the highest BFS in the four tested groups. Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 had a higher BFS and greater resistance to low-temperature degradation than did Y-TZP.

Comparative Biaxial Flexural Behavior of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Panels Using Two Different Test and Placement Methods

Abstract In order to investigate the effects of fiber length, placement method, and test method on the biaxial flexural behaviors of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), several UHPFRC panels with two different fiber lengths (Lf of 13 and 19.5 mm) were fabricated using two different placement methods (placing concrete at the center and the edge) and were then tested by two different test methods (ASTM C1550-12a and a novel biaxial flexure test (BFT)). Image analysis was also performed to quantitatively investigate the fiber distribution characteristics according to the fiber length and placement method and to thoroughly analyze the experimental results. The first cracking strength and corresponding toughness were found to be insignificantly influenced by the fiber length, placement method, and test method, but the panels with longer fibers and with concrete placed at the center (in the maximum moment region) were found to have higher biaxial flexural strength, deflection capacity, and toughness after a deflection of 2.5 mm (d2.5). The panels tested by the BFT method showed lower flexural strength, more cracks with a random distribution, and higher deviation in flexural performances than those tested by ASTM C1550. These test results were verified by evaluating the fiber distribution characteristics (i.e., the number of fibers per unit area, fiber orientation, and fiber dispersion) at localized crack surfaces by using the image analysis technique.

Effect of Glaze Cooling Rate on Mechanical Properties of Conventional and Pressed Porcelain on Zirconia.

The aim of this study was to characterize a conventional and a pressed porcelain for zirconia core as to biaxial flexural strength (BFS), apparent fracture toughness (FT) and microstructure composition, and to investigate the effect of glaze cooling rate on the BFS of the zirconia/porcelain bilayers. Monolayers of conventional porcelain Vita VM9 and pressed porcelain Vita PM9 (n=15) (12 mm diameter x 1.2 mm thick) were prepared for the BFS test (MPa). Apparent fracture toughness (MPa.m1/2) was measured by indentation technique (n=15). t-Student test was performed for statistical analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction were used to analyze the porcelain's microstructure. For the BFS of bilayers, zirconia discs (12 mm diameter x 1 mm thick) (Vita In-Ceram YZ) were veneered with the two porcelains (1 mm thick). After the glaze firing simulation, the specimens were submitted to fast or slow cooling (n=15). Apparent fracture toughness (MPa.m1/2) was measured on the porcelain surface of bilayers (n=15) and residual stress was calculated. Two-way ANOVA (porcelain and cooling method) was used for the bilayer analysis (a=0.05). Vita PM9 monolayer exhibited significantly higher BFS (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference (p=0.41) in the FT between the porcelains. For bilayer specimens, the two-way ANOVA for BFS was significant for the porcelain variable only (p<0.01) better for Vita PM9/zirconia. Two-way ANOVA for the FT for the bilayers was not significant for any variable. All groups showed compressive residual stresses. The pressed porcelain seems to be mechanically more effective for zirconia veneering.

Impact of Packing and Processing Technique on Mechanical Properties of Acrylic Denture Base Materials

The fracture resistance of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as the most popular denture base material is not satisfactory. Different factors can be involved in denture fracture. Among them, flexural fatigue and impact are the most common failure mechanisms of an acrylic denture base. It has been shown that there is a correlation between the static strength and fatigue life of composite resins. Therefore, the transverse strength of the denture base materials can be an important indicator of their service life. In order to improve the fracture resistance of PMMA, extensive studies have been carried out; however, only a few promising results were achieved, which are limited to some mechanical properties of PMMA at the cost of other properties. This study aimed at optimizing the packing and processing condition of heat-cured PMMA as a denture base resin in order to improve its biaxial flexural strength (BFS). The results showed that the plain type of resin with a powder/monomer ratio of 2.5:1 or less, packed conventionally and cured in a water bath for 2 h at 95 °C provides the highest BFS. Also, it was found that the performance of the dry heat processor is inconsistent with the number of flasks being loaded.

Room-temperature mechanical properties of LAST (Pb–Sb–Ag–Te) thermoelectric materials as a function of cooling rate during ingot casting

In this study, we focus on the room-temperature mechanical properties of LAST (Pb–Sb–Ag–Te) materials fabricated using casting with slow-cool temperature profiles (cooling rate <5°C h−1) including biaxial flexural strength, indentation hardness, Young's modulus, and dynamic elastic moduli. The slow-cooled specimens exhibited values of Young's modulus and hardness that are comparable to those of previously reported fast-cooled LAST materials (cooling rate >5°C h−1). The higher biaxial flexural strength is potentially beneficial for the mechanical integrity of thermoelectric devices.