OBJECTIVETo investigate the bonding properties and interface characterization of a domestic 3mol yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconium polycrystal (3Y-TZP) framework fired on with 4 different veneering ceramics for zirconia.

METHODS4 different commercial veneering ceramics for zirconia (VITA VM9, SHOFU VINTAGE ZR, IPS e.max Ceram, Cercon ceram kiss) were sintered on 3Y-TZP rectangulars (15 mmx5 mmx5 mm) according to the manufacturers' instructions for shear bond strength test, a metal-ceramic system(Ni-Cr alloy/VITA VMK95) was fabricated in the same type as a control group. Two bilayered specimens (3Y-TZP/VITA VM9, Ni-Cr/VMK95) were prepared for scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy distribution spectrum (EDS).

RESULTSThe values of shear bond strength test were (18.83 +/- 1.77) MPa for 3Y-TZP/VITA VM9, (23.83 +/- 7.05) MPa for 3Y-TZP/SHOFU VINTAGE ZR, (17.87 +/- 2.30) MPa for 3Y-TZP/IPS e.max Ceram, (22.26 +/- 7.45) MPa for 3Y-TZP/Cercon ceram kiss, (20.55 +/- 5.13) MPa for Ni-Cr alloy/VITA VMK95. There was no statistically significant between all-ceramic groups and the control group (P > 0.05). The failure modes in all-ceramic groups showed predominately adhesive at the interface. SEM showed the 3Y-TZP/VITA VM9 contacted tightly at the interface, while EDS detected Si element diffused into 3Y-TZP material.

CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that domestic 3Y-TZP has a good interface compatibility with 4 commercial veneering ceramics, as a dental framework material, it can satisfy the clinical requirements.