Characterization of Multilayer Structure-Graded Dental Zirconias

Matta R, Belli R, Hurle K, Sangarapillai A, Sednyev O, Wichmann M, Berger L (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Bioengineering MDPI

Book Volume: 13

Article Number: 462

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering13040462

Abstract

Multilayer zirconias have recently been introduced as dental biomaterials to combine improved translucency with sufficient mechanical reliability by implementing yttria-driven gradients in phase composition. Such materials can be considered functionally graded ceramics, where local phase stabilization influences strength and crack resistance. However, manufacturer-specific gradient profiles and their structure–property relationships remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated two commercially available multilayer zirconias with distinct gradient concepts: IPS e.max^® ZirCAD Prime (continuous gradient) and KATANA™ Zirconia YML (stepwise gradient). Ten equidistant sections along the blank height were analyzed using quantitative X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement to quantify zirconia phase fractions and estimate local Y2O3 content. Mechanical behavior was evaluated by biaxial flexural strength testing (ball-on-three-balls method) and fracture toughness testing using the chevron-notched beam technique. Both materials exhibited pronounced yttria- and phase-dependent gradients consistent with their reported layer designs. Regions with increased yttria content showed higher t″ fractions and reduced fracture toughness and strength, whereas deeper regions displayed increased mechanical performance associated with higher fractions of transformable tetragonal phase. These findings emphasize that multilayer zirconias exhibit spatially dependent mechanical properties, which should be considered in biomaterial selection and restoration design, particularly when balancing aesthetic demands and fracture resistance.

Authors with CRIS profile

Ragai Matta Department of Prosthodontics Renan Belli Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology Katrin Hurle Lehrstuhl für Mineralogie Oleksandr Sednyev Department of Prosthodontics Manfred Wichmann Lehrstuhl für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde, insbesondere zahnärztliche Prothetik Lara Berger Department of Prosthodontics

How to cite

APA:

Matta, R., Belli, R., Hurle, K., Sangarapillai, A., Sednyev, O., Wichmann, M., & Berger, L. (2026). Characterization of Multilayer Structure-Graded Dental Zirconias. Bioengineering, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13040462

MLA:

Matta, Ragai, et al. "Characterization of Multilayer Structure-Graded Dental Zirconias." Bioengineering 13.4 (2026).

BibTeX: Download