Corrosion effect on the flexural strength & micro-hardness of ips e-max ceramics

Objectives: The effect of ceramics construction (pressable, machinable) and corrosion on flexural strength and micro-hardness was studied. Materials & Methods: Two types of ceramics were tested: IPS e-max Press and IPS e-max CAD. Forty samples were constructed and divided into 2 groups according to the type of ceramics. Each group was then subdivided into 2 subgroups. Subgroups 1 were not subjected to corrosion while subgroups 2 were subjected to corrosion test. Finally each subgroup was divided into 2 classes according to the type of test: biaxial flexural strength, micro-hardness. Results: There was a significant difference between the two tested ceramics as regard weight loss as IPS e-max CAD recorded less weight loss than IPS e-max Press. As regard the flexural strength, IPS e-max CAD recorded significant higher strength than IPS e-max Press. Corroded samples recorded significant lower flexural strength than non-corroded samples for the two tested ceramics. As regard the Vickers micro-hardness test, the results showed significant difference between the two tested ceramics. IPS e-max CAD recorded higher micro-hardness values than IPS e-max Press. The results also showed that the corroded samples recorded no significant micro-hardness values than noncorroded samples for the two tested ceramics. Conclusions: IPS e-max CAD recorded less weight loss weight loss after being subjected to corrosion test than IPS e-max Press. The method of fabrication affected the flexural strength &micro-hardness of ceramic as machinable ceramic (e-max CAD) recorded significant higher data than pressable ceramic (e-mas Press). Corrosion decreased the flexural strength of both tested ceramics but had no effect on microhardness.