The Effects of Sintering Temperature Influence on the Mechanical Property and Microstructure of Dental Zirconia Block

Purpose: Generally dental technicians clinically decide the sintering temperature of zirconia artificial teeth to match the color of the teeth. However, the sintering temperature influence the microstructure and mechanical strength of ceramic body. In this study, to evaluate the free choice of sintering temperature which leads to color the problems in zirconia false teeth, the variation of microstructure, mechanical strength, and colortone of zirconia ceramics according to the change of sintering temperature was investigated. Methods: Bar type specimens were prepared from commercial zirconia blocks by cutting and polishing into $0.8cm(L){\times}1.0cm(W){\times}4.8cm(H)$. Specimens were fired from 1,400 to $1,700^{\circ}C$ at $50^{\circ}C$ intervals and held for 1hour at highest temperature. Apparent porosity, water absorption, firing shrinkage, bulk density, bend strength, whiteness were tested. Microstructures were observed by SEM. Results: When fired above $1450^{\circ}C$, all specimens showed 0% apparent porosity and water absorption, 20% firing shrinkage, and $6.1g/cm^3$ bulk density regardless of firing temperatures. SEM photomicrographs showed grain growth of zirconia occurred above $1,600^{\circ}C$. Whiteness was also largely changed above this temperature. Maximum bend strength of 1,05MPa was obtained at $1,550^{\circ}C$. Bend strength lowered slightly above this temperature and showed $950{\ss}\acute{A}$ at $1,700^{\circ}C$. Conclusion: In order to fit the colortone of zirconia artificial teeth, arbitrary choice of firing temperature higher than $1,500^{\circ}C$, up to $1,700^{\circ}C$ did not influence the mechanical strength.