Abstract: Objective To evaluate the mechanical properties and microstructure of a new dental full-ceramic material: alumina-zirconia nano-composite infiltrated ceramic.Methods The flexural strength was tested with three-point bending method and the fracture toughness with single edge notch bend (SENB) method. The composition of crystal phases in the infiltrated ceramic was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructure of the infiltrated ceramic was examined by scanning electronic microscope (SEM). Results The average three-point flexural strength of the material was (610 85±37 07) MPa and the average fracture toughness determined by SENB method was (6 51±1 38) MPa·m\+\{1/2\}. The main crystal phases in this composite ceramic were α-Al\-2O\-3 and TZP-ZrO\-2.Conclusion Alumina-zirconia nano-composite infiltrated ceramic is a new infiltrated ceramic with favorable mechanical properties. It demonstrated a promising future for clinical application.

Key words: zirconia transformation toughening, nano-composite ceramic, three-point flexural strength, fracture toughness, microstructur