Thermophysical Properties of Dental and Biomedical Materials

The thermophysical properties of biomaterials such as thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and thermal diffusivity play a crucial role in their performance and acceptance in biomedical applications. In dentistry, for example, restorative materials must provide thermal protection to the pulp and mimic the natural heat transfer behavior of enamel and dentine. Despite their relevance, these properties are often absent from manufacturers’ quality certificates. Recent advances in measurement techniques enable precise determination of thermal constants for ceramics, polymers, and metallic alloys across physiological temperature ranges. Results indicate distinct property profiles across material classes. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP) ceramics show conductivity of ~0.50 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, diffusivity ~0.35 mm²·s⁻¹, and a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) near 10 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, closely matching natural tooth tissues while metals showhigher conductivities and diffusivities: commercially pure titanium (~22.5 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹; ~6.7 mm²·s⁻¹; CTE ~8.6 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹), Ti-6Al-4V (~6.7 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹; ~2.8 mm²·s⁻¹; CTE ~9–10 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹), and Co–Cr alloys (~10.7 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹; ~2.8 mm²·s⁻¹; CTE ~14 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹). The data underlines that metallic systems dissipate heat rapidly but risk interfacial stress due to expansion mismatch with ceramics and tissues, while zirconia achieves the best balance of conductivity and CTE compatibility. This presentation emphasizes the importance of accurate thermophysical characterization that provides the foundation for rational selection and design of biomaterials, ensuring patient comfort, structural integrity, and long-term clinical performance.