Effect of Fe2O3 and CeO2 on Transmittance of Y2O3 Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals

The present study is to investigate the effect of metal oxides Fe2O3 and CeO2 on the structural and optical characteristics of Y2O3 stabilized tetragonal zirconia ceramic (Y-TZP). Different concentrations of Fe2O3 and CeO2 are added into Y-TZP to fabricate the colored Y-TZP. The chromaticity and transmittance were measured by spectrophotometer. The effect of each colorant on color and transmittance of Y-TZP is quantitatively studied. Most of the previous related studies used indirect methods for measurement, but in order to get more accurate results, we chose the direct measurement method. It is found that the addition of Fe2O3 and CeO2 not only changes the color of Y-TZP, but also reduces the light transmittance. The SEM characterization and XRD analysis are then performed to check the microstructure and crystal structure respectively, by which we try to understand the microscopic principle. Our findings can improve the understanding of coloration of Y-TZP by mental oxides, and support a quantitative assessment approach for aesthetic performance of dental restoration material.