US 10,202,306 B2 · Method for coloring ceramics via colloidal dispersion

Abstract

In a method of coloring a ceramic material, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry. In a slip casting process, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry which is cast into green state bodies. A coloring solution that may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. In a method, the coloring solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which a ceramic body is cast, dried and finally 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 ceramic material used for making dental restorations.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A colored zirconia ceramic material 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;
and
d) mixing the amount of coloring solution and the amount of zirconia ceramic slurry to distribute the coloring solution throughout the zirconia ceramic slurry, forming a colored zirconia ceramic slurry,
wherein, the colored zirconia ceramic slurry comprises the zirconia ceramic slurry and the coloring solution that consists essentially of the solvent, the at least one metallic salt as a coloring agent dissolved therein, and optionally, the organic solvent, and optionally, the acid.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for coloring ceramics via colloidal dispersion

Life of this patent

Method for coloring ceramics via colloidal dispersion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17