Analysis of the Y-TZP Ceramic Substucture in Blasting with Aluminum Oxide before and after Sintering

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microstructure of a ceramic based on yttria stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) in blasting with aluminum oxide and its effect on the sintering. 25 pre-sintered Y-TZP blocks were obtained. Ten samples were blasted with alumina, and then all samples were sintered and divided into the groups: Control-no treatment; alumina G1-blasted with alumina and sintered; alumina and Rocatec G1-blasted, sintered, and Rocatec; alumina G2-sintered, alumina blasting; alumina and Rocatec G2-sintering, alumina blasting, and Rocatec. The samples were evaluated by a scanning electron microscopy. The qualitative analysis showed that the treated samples had an increase in the surface texture and that group 1– alumina and Rocatec– presented the silica incorporation to be regular and homogeneous. It was concluded that the treatment of pre-sintered surfaces is a good alternative in the bonding strength between the Y-TZP and the resin cements.