On the construction of wear maps for Y-TZP dental ceramics in aqueous environments: pH, exposure time and impact angle effects

The object of this work was to evaluate the particulate erosion performance of Y-TZP (Yttria Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystalline), used in the construction of artificial teeth, at various pH values, impact angles and exposure times. The results showed that the highest degradation recorded was in acidic environments. However, the incubation time to high wastage was also affected by impact angle and exposure time. Wear maps were constructed, based on the results, identifying wastage regimes for the material as a function of the exposure conditions. In addition, a wear map was generated based on the observed phase transformations for the material.