Influence of Calcination Temperatures on the Morphology and Specific Surface Area Development of ZrO2-CeO2-Y2O3-Al2O3 Powders Obtained via Sol-Gel Route

BACKGROUND: Doped with metal oxide, zirconia is one of the most currently used ceramics for making a wide range of all-ceramic restorations in dental prosthetics. Its use entails very good mechanical properties and the possibility of obtaining a desirable aesthetic effect of manufactured prostheses. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose/aim of this study was to investigate the influence of calcination temperature on the morphology and specific surface area development of a ZrO2-CeO2-Y2O3-Al2O3 powder system obtained with a humid-free sol-gel process. METHODS: Powders were obtained by the sol-gel method in an inert gas atmosphere at ambient temperature using, for this purpose, zirconium n-propoxide. Morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and specific surface area was investigated with full-adsorption isotherms in nitrogen with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller model (BET). RESULTS: Depending on the calcination temperature, different morphologies and surface areas were observed. With an increase in temperature, grain growth was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of calcination temperature on morphology and specific surface area of the as-obtained powders was clearly evidenced.