Synthesis, mechanical properties and bioactivity of nanostructured zirconia.

Yttria stabilized zirconia 3Y - TZP nanopowders (10-30 nm) are prepared through direct precursor calcination of mixed zirconium oxychloride and yttrium nitrate solutions at 600°C for 2h. Cuboid(50×25×20 mm(3)) zirconia blanks are fabricated through centrifuge casting and followed by sintering at 1350°C for 2h. Sintered zirconia blanks exhibit 24% volume shrinkage and 98% relative density with average grain size of 250 nm.