Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2025

Additive Manufacturing of Functionally Graded Ceramic Materials by Stereolithography
Published on: January 25, 2019
Characterization of a hydrothermally aged experimental alumina-toughened zirconia composite
Laura F Carvalho1, Edmara T P Bergamo1, Tiago M B Campos1
1Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo, Bauru 17012-901, SP, Brazil.
Objectives:
To assess the effects of different aging protocols on chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of an experimental ATZ composite compared to a zirconia.
Methods:
Disc-shaped specimens were obtained through uniaxial pressing of commercial powders (Tosoh), ATZ comprised of 80%ZrO2/20%Al2O3 (TZ-3YS20AB) and 3Y-TZP (3Y-SBE). The specimens of each material were divided into different groups according to the aging protocol: immediate, autoclave aging and hydrothermal reactor aging. The aging protocols were performed at 134 ºC for 20 h at 2.2 bar. Crystalline evaluations were performed using X-Ray Diffraction. The nanoindentation tests measured the elastic modulus (Em) and hardness (H). Biaxial flexural strength was performed, and Weibull statistics were used to determine the characteristic strength and Weibull modulus. The probability of survival was also determined. The Em and H data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.
Results:
Diffractograms revealed the presence of monoclinic phase in both materials after aging. The hydrothermal reactor decreased the Em for ATZ compared to its immediate condition; and the H for both ATZ and 3Y-TZP regarding their immediate and autoclave aging conditions, respectively. The aging protocols significantly increased the characteristic strength for ATZ, while decreased for 3Y-TZP. No difference regarding Weibull modulus was observed, except for 3Y-TZP aged in reactor. For missions of up to 500 MPa, both materials presented a high probability of survival (>99 %) irrespective of aging condition.
Significance:
The synthesized ATZ composite exhibited greater physical and microstructural stability compared to 3Y-TZP, supporting potential application of the experimental material for long-span reconstructive applications.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Strength and Heat of Hydration
The heat of hydration for each cement compound is significant; for instance, tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and...
Hydration of Cement
Abrasion Resistance of Concrete
One such test is the revolving disc test, where three plates...
Transition Zone
Porosity in Cement Paste
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...

