OBJECTIVETo study the effect of solid phase transformation on the metal-ceramic compatibility of Co-Cr alloy during firing programs.

METHODS9 foils of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr alloy with the dimension of 25 mmx3 mmx0.5 mm were casted using lost wax technology respectively. Among them, 6 specimens were subjected to metal-ceramic bonding strength test (three point bending method), the ceramic layer of 3 specimens were removed for X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. One cylindrical specimen of each alloy was casted for the test of coefficient of thermal expansion, cooling curves were recorded.

RESULTSThe metal-ceramic bonding strength of Ni-Cr, Co-Cr alloy was (49.1 +/- 3.40), (40.9 +/- 2.02) MPa respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups' bonding strength (P = 0.00). The coefficient of thermal expansion in the 20-500 degrees C interval of Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloy was 13.9 x 10(-6), 13.8 x 10(-6) x K(-1) respectively. XRD analysis indicated that the microstructure of Ni-Cr alloy was austenite. While Co-Cr alloy was constituted by fcc phase, hcp phase and sigma phase.

CONCLUSIONDuring the cooling procedure, the transformation of fcc phase to hcp phase and segregation of needle-like sigma phase intensify the linear contraction speed of Co-Cr alloy, which decreases the metal-ceramic adaptability.