Ageing effects on the nanoindentation response of sub-micrometric 3Y-TZP ceramics.

This article discusses the ageing effects of sub-micrometric 3mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP) ceramics on its nanoindentation response. Yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics are used as prosthesis material in hip replacement. 3Y-TZP was obtained starting from two commercial powders. The zirconia ceramics were used as a function of ageing time and peak load. The general hardness decreased with the ageing time should be ascribed to the increase of monoclinic phase content.