Impact of sandblasting on the flexural strength of highly translucent zirconia

The objective of this study was to assess the influence alumina sandblasting on flexural strength latest generation highly translucent yttria partially stabilized dental zirconia (Y-PSZ). Fully-sintered disk-shaped specimens (14.5-mm diameter; 1.2-mm thickness) four Y-PSZ grades (KATANA HT, KATANA STML, UTML, all Kuraray Noritake; and Zpex Smile, Tosoh) were sandblasted at 0.2 MPa with 50-?m (Al2O3) sand (Kulzer) or left as-sintered (control). For each grade, (Y2O3) content determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Surface roughness assessed 3D confocal laser microscopy. Micro-Raman spectroscopy (?-Raman) diffraction (XRD) used potentially induced residual stresses. Biaxial (n = 20) statistically compared by Weibull analysis. Focused ion beam - scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) observe subsurface microstructure. Fracture surfaces after biaxial testing observed SEM. UTML had highest Y2O3 (6 mol%), followed STML Smile (5 HT (4 mol%). Al2O3-sandblasting significantly increased surface Smile. ?Raman XRD revealed presence compressive stress Al2O3-sandblasted surfaces. FIB/SEM several sub-surface microcracks in specimens. analysis that characteristic whereas it decreased UTML. enhancement highest, STML. insignificant. impact modulus controversial. is balance between microcrack formation (decreased strength) build-up (increased strength).