Objective to evaluate the effect of the specimen design on the flexural strength (σf) and failure mode of ceramic structures, testing the hypothesis that the ceramic material under tension controls the mechanical performance of the structure. Methods Three ceramics used as framework materials for fixed partial dentures (YZ - Vita In-Ceram YZ; IZ - Vita In-Ceram Zirconia; AL - Vita In-Ceram AL) and two veneering porcelains (VM7 and VM9) were studied. Bar-shaped specimens were produced in three different designs (n=10): monolithic, two layers (porcelain-framework) and three layers (TRI) (porcelain-framework-porcelain). Specimens were tested for three-point flexural strength at 1 MPa/s in 37°C artificial saliva. For bi-layered design, the specimens were tested in both conditions: with porcelain (PT) or framework ceramic (FT) layer under tension. Fracture surfaces were analyzed using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Young’s modulus (E) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) were determined using ultrasonic pulse-echo method. Results were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests. Results Except for VM7 and VM9, significant differences were observed for E values among the materials. YZ showed the highest ν value followed by IZ and AL. YZ presented the highest σf. There was no statistical difference in the σf value between IZ and IZ-FT and between AL and AL-FT. σf values for YZ-PT, IZ-PT, IZ-TRI, AL-PT, AL-TRI were similar to the results obtained for VM7 and VM9. Two types of fracture mode were identified: total and partial failure. Significance The mechanical performance of the specimens was determined by the material under tension during testing, confirming the study hypothesis.

This study provides a detailed microstructural and slow crack growth characterization of widely used dental ceramics. This is important from a clinical standpoint to assist the clinician in choosing the best ceramic material for each situation as well as predicting its clinical longevity. It also can be helpful in developing new materials for dental prostheses.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of the microstructure on the Weibull and slow crack growth (SCG) parameters and on the lifetime of three ceramics used as framework materials for fixed partial dentures (FPDs) (YZ - Vita In-Ceram YZ; IZ - Vita In-Ceram Zirconia; AL - Vita In-Ceram AL) and of two veneering porcelains (VM7 and VM9). Methods Bar-shaped specimens were fabricated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Specimens were tested in three-point flexure in 37°C artificial saliva. Weibull analysis (n=30) and a constant stress-rate test (n=10) were used to determine the Weibull modulus (m) and SCG coefficient (n), respectively. Microstructural and fractographic analyses were performed using SEM. ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05) were used to statistically analyze data obtained with both microstructural and fractographic analyses. Results YZ and AL presented high crystalline content and low porosity (0.1–0.2%). YZ had the highest characteristic strength (σ0) value (911 MPa) followed by AL (488 MPa) and IZ (423 MPa). Lower σ0 values were observed for the porcelains (68–75 MPa). Except for IZ and VM7, m values were similar among the ceramic materials. Higher n values were found for YZ (76) and AL (72), followed by IZ (54) and the veneering materials (36–44). Lifetime predictions showed that YZ was the material with the best mechanical performance. The size of the critical flaw was similar among the framework materials (34–48 µm) and among the porcelains (75–86 µm). Significance The microstructure influenced the mechanical and SCG behavior of the studied materials and, consequently, the lifetime predictions.

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Aluminum nitride is a relatively new engineering ceramic and its mechanical properties have not been extensively studied. In this work, the effects of porosity (~0 to 38%) on sonic velocities, Poisson's ratio, and elastic moduli of partially sintered A1N, both pure and with additives, were investigated. The elastic constants, determined by the ultrasonic pulse-echo method, were significantly influenced by the porosity, but not by the different types of additives used (2 wt. (%) of CaCO3, CaO, and Y2O3). All elastic constants evaluated decreased with increasing porosity, but the rates of decrease were higher for elastic moduli compared do sonic velocities and Poisson's ratio. The results were analyzed in the light of stress concentration and loading bearing area models proposed in the literature