3Y-TZP ceramics simulation of the fluorescence properties of natural teeth by doping Eu2+

Eu2+-doped 3Y-TZP dental bioceramic was prepared by immersing the presintering 3Y-TZP in Eu(NO3)3solution, followed with calcination under reducing atmosphere. The surface microstructure, phase constitution, fluorescence spectrum and cytotoxicity were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), fluorescence spectrometer and MTT test. The results showed that Eu2+-doped 3Y-TZP presented a densification morphology and the average grain size was 450 nm. There were no other crystal structure other than t-ZrO2was found. The emission spectrum excited by 365 nm showed a characteristic blue broad band with the peak at about 470 nm, which corresponded to 4f65d1→4f7(8S7/2) transition of Eu2+. This emission spectrum was similar to the natural tooth which can be used to simulation of the fluorescence emission of natural teeth. The cytotoxicity grade of Eu2+-doped 3Y-TZP was I, which can be used for clinical with biological safety. © 2015, Journal of Functional Materials. All right reserved.