Evaluation of hardness and fracture toughness, coupled with microstructural analysis, of zirconia ceramics stored in environments with different pH values

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pH changes in the oral cavity on the mechanical properties of zirconia and feldspathic ceramics. Bilayered zirconia-feldspathic samples were prepared from three different commercial brands of Y-TZP blocks: Zirkonzahn, Cercon, and Everest. Samples were stored in artificial saliva with different pH values (3.5, 7.0, and 10.0) for 10 days at 37 degrees C. Flexural strength, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness were calculated after samples were subjected to biaxial flexure test. Microstructural analysis of the materials was also performed.