CURRENT STATE OF APPLIENCE ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE IN BIOENGINEERING

This descriptive review presents current knowledge about the bioengineering use of a zirconium dioxide, the advantages and disadvantages of the material, and the prospects for research in this direction. The work reflects the success of the practical application of the zirconium dioxide as a material for dental structures and biological implants. Such practical characteristics, such as color-stability, chemical stability, good aesthetics, biocompatibility and durability, allowed to actively use the zirconium dioxide as a material for producing various dental structures. In comparison with other ceramics, the presence of high-performance of strength and fracture toughness of the zirconium dioxide enables the use of this material as an alternative material for the reconstructions in the readings with considerable loads. High hardness determines the zirconium dioxide as an excellent material for articular prostheses, because of its hardness, provides a low level of wear and excellent biocompatibility. However, along with positive characteristics, a widespread practical problem of using the zirconium dioxide in dentistry is a chip or fracture of veneering ceramics. It has also been reported that there is a shortage of orthopedic implants such as hydrothermal stability. The solution of such problems is indicated and the use of composite materials based on the zirconium dioxide, which allows to solve a similar problem, as well as to increase the service life and reliability of orthopedic implants by providing a higher fracture toughness and mechanical strength. The existence of such composite materials based on the zirconium dioxide provides a significant increase in the wear resistance of orthopedic implants, which is essential for successful prosthetic