Effect of Infiltration with Ferric Oxide Containing Glass on the Color and Mechanical Properties of Zirconia

This study was to examine the effects of ferric oxide contents, which is one of the components of a newly developed glass, on the color and mechanical strengths of zirconia surfaces after glass infiltration. The composition of bioactive glass contained: SiO2–Al2O3–Na2O–MgO–BaO–CaO–Nb2O5–TiO2–Fe2O3. 84 presintered zirconia discs (diameter 15 mm, height 1.2 mm) were prepared. The experimental groups were divided into 6 groups by Fe2O3 contents of 0, 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 2.9 wt%. Non-glass infiltrated zirconia was used as a control. Bioactive glass was coated on the presintered zirconia disc by a spin coating and infiltrated into zirconia by complete sintering at 1450°C for 2 hr. The color of the specimens was measured using a digital spectrophotometer and biaxial flexural strength and fracture toughness was compared. The colors of glass infiltrated zirconia were from yellow to yellowish orange according to ferric oxides contents and those were within the range of natural teeth colors. The mechanical properties of glass infiltrated zirconia were not inferior to those of zirconia. Glass infiltration with ferric oxide into zirconia can improve the color and mechanical properties of zirconia and be applicable for dental purpose.