Effect of Density on Properties of a Polymer Infused Alumina

Objectives: To investigate the effect of density of an alumina matrix on flexural strength, surface roughness, and micro hardness of a polymer infused alumina.
Methods: Alumina powders were dry-pressed in a stainless steel mold to produce cylindrical alumina blocks. Blocks were divided into four different groups sintered at four different temperatures (1050 C,1150 C,1200 C,1250 C). The density of each block was measured, silane treated, and then infused with UDMA mixture. Infused alumina blocks were cured and cut into discs 1.5 mm thick x 14 mm diameter, n=8 for each group. Biaxial flexural strength was measured using an Instron at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Surface roughness was measured with a Mitotoyu profilometer. Micro hardness was measured using a Vicker’s indenter at a 20 newton load for 30 seconds.
Results: A MANOVA with Tukey at p<0.05 was used to determine statistical differences between groups, Tables 1-2. Groups with the same letters are not significantly different.
Conclusions: The biaxial flexural strength, surface roughness, and micro hardness of polymer infused alumina increases as density of alumina matrix increases.