Abstract:

Objective  To evaluate the effect of Fe2O3 and CeO2 as colorants on yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) powder. Methods  The spray granulation slurry of colored zirconia was prepared with different concentrations of Fe2O3 (0.15%) and CeO2 (4%), which were added in Y-TZP. Zirconia powder was made by spray granulation. The powder specimens were divided into three groups: uncolored zirconia, Fe2O3 (0.15%) zirconia, and CeO2 (4%) zirconia. The particle morphologies of the powder specimens were measured with a laser particle size analyzer and an optical microscope. Results  The differences in D50 among the three groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Group Fe2O3  showed a significant difference from groups CeO2 and uncolored zirconia (P<0.05). Group uncolored zirconia showed no significant difference from group CeO2 (P>0.05). Mostly spherical powder was observed in the three groups. Conclusion  Fe2O3 as a colorant can affect particles, whereas CeO2 has no effect.

Key words: yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals, colored zirconia, laser particle size analyzer