Effects of zirconia content on leucite crystallization and microstructural evolution of dental porcelain ceramic-nanocomposites

Abstract

In this work, effects of ZrO2 additive concentration (0-65 wt%) on leucite crystallization and microstructural evolution of dental porcelain ceramics derived from a twostep sintering technique were examined by using a combination of X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray techniques. The amount of ZrO2 additives has been found to be one of the key factors controlling leucite formation and microstructure on the zirconia surface in dental porcelain ceramics. It is likely that the ZrO2 additives of ≤ 10 wt% act as nucleating agent for the leucite crystallization leading to larger amount and size of leucite particles. Statistical differences (p < 0. 05) of leucite particle sizes were found only between the ZrO2 modified and the unmodified porcelains.