Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH nanocomposite development for dentistry application

Author(s)

Lucas Hian da Silva

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia (FO/SDO)
• Defense date: 2015-04-07

Examining board members

Paulo Francisco Cesar; César Dalmolin Bergoli; Estevão Tomomitsu Kimpara; Dolores Ribeiro Ricci Lazar

• Advisor: Paulo Francisco Cesar; Rubens Nisie Tango

Abstract

This study aim was to develop a technique for synthetize nanocomposite of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (3 mol% Yttria-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia reinforced with COOH functionalized carbon nanotubes) with mechanical and optical properties that allow their future use as fixed dental prosthesis infrastructure and implant abutments. Thus, the following properties of the nanocomposite were investigated and compared to those measured for conventional Y-TZP (control): microstructure, flexural strength, fracture toughness, fatigue limit and optical properties. Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH material was developed by the co-precipitation of mixed hydroxides associated with the hydrothermal/solvothermal treatment and uniaxial pressing to form blocks for CAD/CAM systems. The MWCNT-COOH powder was characterized by SEM-FEG, TEM, TGA, XRD and XRF prior to its use for the development of nanocomposite. Specimens were obtained from the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH material and characterized by XRD, SEM-FEG and TEM. After characterization, the material had their structural properties (density and contraction), optical, flexural strength, fracture toughness and fatigue limit compared to a conventional Y-TZP. The MWCNT-COOH material was observed to be a bundle formation of carbon nanotube covered with silica with an average length of 5.10 ± 1.34 ?m, with 90% of the measured lengths (D90) being below 6.9 ?m. It has been found to be not possible to use organic liquids on any step of the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH manufacturing process due to darkening of the composite, making it unfeasible to future clinical application. The hydrothermal treatment without the use of organic liquids was effective in providing the carbon nanotube coating by zirconium and yttrium oxide particles. However, this treatment led to the formation of agglomerates and particles of Y-TZP with larger than 5 ?m. A relative density of 97.4% was achieved for the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH composite, having a contrast ratio of 0.9929 ± 0.0012, and a color difference value from the conventional Y-TZP of 6.1 ± 3.1 (?E). The mechanical properties of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH, Vickers hardness (10.14 ± 1.27 GPa; p = 0.25) and fracture toughness (4.98 ± 0.30 MPa.m1/2; p = 0.39), showed no significant difference from the conventional Y-TZP (hardness: 8.87 ± 0.89; fracture toughness: 4.98 ± 0.30 MPa.m1/2). However, flexural strength (p = 0.003) and cyclic fatigue limit (CFL) showed lower values for the experimental material Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (flexural strength: 299.4 ± 30.5 MPa; CFL: 179.4 ± 22.5 MPa) compared to Y-TZP control (flexural strength: 623.7 ± 108.8 MPa; CFL: 439.0 ± 56.4 MPa). Based on the results presented, it could be conclude that the synthesis of a nanocomposite of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH with optical properties suitable for application in restorative dentistry was made possible by the described methods, however some adjustments in synthesis and processing methods for the nanocomposite creation should be taken; to avoid the sharp decrease of important mechanical properties of the material. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/10955-5 - Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH nanocomposite development for dentistry application: characterization and aging
• Grantee: Lucas Hian da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate