Effect of TiO2 and ZrO2 Additions on Sintering and Mechanical Properties of Dental Porcelain Material

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of varying TiO2 (0-15 wt.%) and ZrO2 (15-0 wt.%) additions on the microstructure, densification, and mechanical properties of dental porcelain composites fabricated from local Algerian raw materials. The samples were produced by cold compaction and sintered at temperatures ranging from 1100 degrees C to 1250 degrees C. Advanced characterization techniques-X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-were employed to analyze phase evolution and microstructural morphology. The results indicated that increasing TiO2 content while decreasing ZrO2 enhanced both densification and mechanical strength. The optimal composition-15 wt.% TiO2 sintered at 1200 degrees C-achieved the highest bending strength (177 MPa) and Martens hardness (2931 MPa). TiO2 functioned as a fluxing agent, promoting grain cohesion, whereas excessive ZrO2 content led to the formation of structural defects. These findings highlight the potential of optimized formulations to meet the requirements for high-performance, biocompatible dental ceramics and support the development of sustainable porcelain using abundant natural resources.