Effect of abrasive grinding on the strength of Y-TZP

The residual stress and flaw size in yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) before and after abrasive grinding are examined in the present study. As long as the distribution of flaw size remains the same after grinding, the strength of zirconia increases with increasing residual stress. For the grinding conditions employed, a compressive residual stress as high as 1 GPa is introduced on the surface. Such stress is large enough to induce lattice distortion. The strength of Y-TZP is consequently increased by 190 MPa. The compressive residual stress can be partly removed by subsequent polishing or annealing treatment.