Comparison of residual strength behavior after indentation, scratching and grinding of zirconia-based ceramics for medical-technical applications

In this study, three methods of characterizing the damage tolerance of different zirconia-based ceramics for medical-technical applications are presented. The damage is inflicted statically, with Vickers hardness impressions and dynamically by scratching with a Rockwell diamond, as well as by means of a reproducible grinding process. The damage intensity is, in each case, successively increased. The measured strength values as a function of the inflicted damage thus provide information on the grinding robustness of the material. This permits the determination of critical grinding parameters above which the component quality is impaired and, ultimately, the patient is endangered. The continuing pressure to reduce production costs by shortening processing times makes damage tolerant behavior of materials extremely important. Ultimately, this permits the reduction of production costs while maintaining component quality and the guarantee of future patient safety.