Characterization of the surface properties of a ceramic composite Y-TZP/TiO2 sintered under different conditions.

• Grant number: 19/20655-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2020
• End date: March 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Francisco Cesar
• Grantee: Rafael Costa Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Titanium alloy is the most commonly used material to replace a missing tooth root. However, the grayish color of metallic material may compromise the aesthetic result in the anterior region. Ceramic implants such as yttria-stabilized polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) are an alternative to metal implants. One limitation of Y-TZP is the low interaction with surrounding tissues. Titania is a ceramic associated with osteoblast adhesion and promotes the formation of apatite when immersed in a solution that simulates blood plasma. One way to improve YTZP osseointegration is with ceramic composites and to study their surfaces. Hydrophilic materials are known to promote greater cell adhesion. For the Y-TZP/TiO2 composite to achieve high mechanical properties and high density it is important to study the sintering conditions, so the objective of the present study is to characterize the surface of the ceramic composite Y-TZP/TiO2 as a function of titania concentration in mol% and sintering conditions. The powders will be synthesized in a co-precipitation route using three titania contents (0, 7.5 and 12.5%) and then pressed (n = 5). Different temperatures (1260°C, 1300°C and 1460°C) and times (1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours) will be used for sintering. The contact angle of the specimens will be measured in a goniometer, roughness will be assessed in a profilometer. Data will be analyzed in the statistical program Minitab11.