US 10,196,312 B2 · Method for manufacturing coloring ceramics via colloidal dispersion followed by conventional pressing techniques

Abstract

A colored ceramic powder is produced from a mixture of coloring solutions consisting of metallic salts that are introduced to a ceramic slurry and subsequently dried. The coloring solution may comprise for example of chosen metallic salts, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, an acid and a possible binder. Once all the constituents are thoroughly mixed to a homogeneous state, the slip is dried to a powder form, which spray drying equipment can be used. The dried powder can then be subjected to an isostatic or biaxial press manufacturing process to create a green state ceramic body. Once pressed, the ceramic body can be subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia dental restorations.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A colored zirconia ceramic slurry fabricated by a colloidal mixing process comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a coloring solution consisting essentially of at least one metallic salt as a coloring agent, a solvent, and optionally, an organic solvent and optionally, an acid,
wherein the at least one metallic salt is soluble in the solvent, and
wherein the at least one metallic salt comprises metallic salts of chromium and terbium as the coloring agent;
b) choosing the relative constituents of the coloring solution to provide a selected color for use in a zirconia ceramic dental restoration;
c) choosing a relative amount of the coloring solution for an amount of a zirconia ceramic slurry comprising a ceramic material that is predominantly a zirconia ceramic material, to provide a selected color intensity for use in the zirconia ceramic dental restoration;
d) mixing the amount of the coloring solution and the amount of zirconia ceramic slurry to distribute the coloring solution throughout the zirconia ceramic slurry;
and
e) adding a binder in an amount of from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the coloring solution, to the mixture of the coloring solution and the zirconia ceramic slurry to form the colored zirconia ceramic slurry,
wherein, the colored zirconia ceramic slurry comprises the zirconia ceramic slurry, the coloring solution, and the binder.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for manufacturing coloring ceramics via colloidal dispersion followed by conventional pressing techniques

Life of this patent

Method for manufacturing coloring ceramics via colloidal dispersion followed by conventional pressing techniques

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19