Effect of glazing application side and mechanical cycling on the biaxial flexural strength and Weibull characteristics of a Y-TZP ceramic

Abstract Glaze application on monolithic zirconia (Y-TZP) can be a practical approach to improve the mechanical properties of this material. Objective Our study evaluated the effect of glazing side and mechanical cycling on the biaxial flexure strength (BFS) of a Y-TZP. Methodology Eighty sintered Y-TZP discs (Ø:12 mm; thickness: 1.2 mm - ISO 6872) were produced and randomly assigned into eight groups (n=10), according to the factors “glazing side” (control – no glazing; GT – glaze on tensile side; GC – glaze on compression side; GTC – glaze on both sides) and “mechanical aging” (non-aged and aged, A – mechanical cycling: 1.2×106, 84 N, 3 Hz, under water at 37°C). Specimens were subjected to BFS test (1 mm/min; 1,000 Kgf load cell) and fractured surfaces were analyzed by stereomicroscopy and SEM. Hsueh’s rigorous solutions were used to estimate the stress at failure of glazed specimens. Two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test (5%), and Weibull analysis were performed. Results The “glazing side”, “mechanical aging” and the interaction of the factors were significant (p