Preparation and properties optimization of CeO2–Y2O3 Co-stabilized zirconia via vat photopolymerization

Employed ubiquitously in oral restorations, zirconia-based bioceramics face challenges with low-temperature degradation (LTD) in the tetragonal phase (t-ZrO2) within oral environments. In order to improve the resistance of ZrO2 ceramics to LTD, this study utilized vat photopolymerization technology to prepare 7Ce3Y–ZrO2 (7 mol% CeO2 and 3 mol% Y2O3). By adjusting the dispersant content and photosensitive resin ratio enabled the attainment of a 63.5 μm curing depth with a 400 mJ/cm2 exposure, meeting the requirements for vat photopolymerization printing. After sintering at 1550 °C, these ceramics shown a relative density of 97.84 % and an impressive flexural strength of 503.1 MPa. Accelerated LTD tests were conducted to assess LTD-resistance, revealing no degradation in mechanical properties or evidence of tetragonal to monoclinic phase transitions. This stability is credited to the cerium ions' efficacy in hindering oxygen vacancy formation and subsequent aging within the ZrO2. This study affirms that CeO2–Y2O3 co-stabilized ZrO2 ceramics prepared using vat photopolymerization technology exhibit outstanding properties and resistance to LTD, showcasing significant potential in the field of oral restoration.