The densification and strength of porous Y-TZP materials with a bimodal particle size distribution for dental applications

In this study the densification behavior of bimodal Y-TZP powder compacts consisting of nano/sub-micron-sized particles was studied and an explanation for their improved flexural strength while biscuit-sintered is provided. An in situ-heating TEM analysis revealed that up to 800 °C only the nanoparticles sinter in a bimodal mixture without any densification. By increasing the temperature to 900 °C the densification of the nanoparticles begins and partially densified nanoparticle clusters migrate into the contact area between the core particles. Consequently, the driving force for the sintering of the powder-blend compacts is reduced and this is reflected in a slower densification compared to that of the core material. At 1000 °C the sintered nanoparticle clusters begin to incorporate into the core material, resulting in a sharp increase in the strength due to the increased neck area. Biscuit-sintered powder-blend compacts reached a plateau of strength at 670 MPa, which was reached at a relative density of 70%.