Pigmented zircônia-yttria obtained by Pechini Method for dental applications

ABSTRACT The introduction of zirconia (ZrO2) as a dental material, represents a major advance when compared to other materials traditionally used for this purpose. This material stands out due to its excellent properties such as mechanical resistance and biocompatibility. However, there are limitations regarding its white color and high opacity, and it is not possible to mimic the characteristics of human dentition, thus affecting the aesthetic concept of these materials and reducing patient comfort. This work proposes to develop pigmented zirconia powders using the Pechini method, doping them with iron oxide in different concentrations (3 %, 2 %, 1 %, 0.5 %, 0.25 mol%) and itria, later calcine them at a temperature of 1000 °C in order to obtain the most effective chemical mixture, close to the shade of human dentin. The samples were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), toxicity testing and colorimetric evaluation, confirming the presence of iron within the zirconia microstructure and its modifications caused in the material. The obtained results indicate that the crystallite sizes of the synthesized powders increased from 35,45 nm to 48,97 nm when the iron concentration increased from 0 % to 3 mol%. The EDS spectra indicated the presence of iron in all the samples, with varying concentrations of the pigmentant agent. The method used was effective for the production of zirconia powders with varied color nuances, having great potential for dental applications.