Exploring the optimal pre-sintering temperature on compressive strength and anti-fatigue property of graded zirconia-based glass/zirconia structure.

To explore the optimal pre-sintering temperature for graded glass/zirconia material, glass/zirconia specimens were prepared and pre-sintered at 900, 1,000 and 1,100°C respectively, glass infiltration and densification at 1,450°C. Monolith Y-TZP specimens were sintered at 1,450°C. Nanoindentation was used to test Young's modulus and Hardness. Compressive strength test and cycling fatigue test were conducted. Nanoindentation test showed graded change of Young's modulus in glass/zirconia structure. The compressive strength and the number of cycles to failure of specimens pre-sintered at 1,000°C were significantly higher than those of Y-TZP and the specimens pre-sintered at 900 and 1,000°C (p<0.05). It is concluded that when the pre-sintering temperature is set at 1,000°C, the graded glass/zirconia structure exhibits the most optimal compressive strength and anti-fatigue property.