The Effect of Nano-Silica Sol in Different Concentrations on Mechanical Properties of Zirconia Ceramics

The objective of this study was to examine the impacts on mechanical properties of zirconia ceramics after surface modification with different concentrations of nano-silica sol by sol-gel process. 40 zirconia ceramic blocks were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group A (control group): no surface treatment; Group B, C and D were respectively treated with 20%, 30%, 40% nano-silica sol via sol-gel process. The Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, flexural strength and microstructure of all samples were measured. The microstructure of cross-section of the ceramics was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There were no significantly differences on Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and flexural strength (P>0.05).The interlocking layer thickness of Group C was greater than that of Group B and Group D.30% nano-silica sol might be the optimal concentration used in the further clinical practice.