Objective: To investigate the effects of sintering temperature on the physical and mechanical properties of dental zirconia toughened ceramic (ZTC).
Methods: 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia compacts were prepared by dry press method and then sintered at 1,490 degrees C, 1,530 degrees C, 1,570 degrees C and 1,610 degrees C respectively. The physical properties and bending strength were then measured.
Results: The result of the study indicated along with the rise of sintering temperature density and shrinkage of ZTC increased, but the pore structure decreased. It also showed the peak of bending strength was in 1,570 degrees C.
Conclusions: In terms of sintering temperature and bending strength among the selected temperature, the best sintering temperature of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia should be about 1,570 degrees C.