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Published on: December 20, 2024
[Microstructure and mechanical property of a new IPS-Empress 2 dental glass-ceramic]
Xiao-ping Luo1, D C Watts, N H F Wilson
1Department of Prosthodontics, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing 210008, China. L-xiaoping@yahoo.com
Objective:
To investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of a new IPS-Empress 2 dental glass-ceramic.
Methods:
AFM, SEM and XRD were used to analyze the microstructure and crystal phase of IPS-Empress 2 glass-ceramic. The flexural strength and fracture toughness were tested using 3-point bending method and indentation method respectively.
Results:
IPS-Empress 2 glass-ceramic mainly consisted of lithium disilicate crystal, lithium phosphate and glass matrix, which formed a continuous interlocking structure. The crystal phases were not changed before and after hot-pressed treatment. AFM showed nucleating agent particles of different sizes distributed on the highly polished ceramic surface. The strength and fracture toughness were 300 MPa and 3.1 MPam(1/2).
Conclusion:
The high strength and fracture toughness of IPS-Empress 2 glass ceramic are attributed to the fine lithium disilicate crystalline, interlocking microstructure and crack deflection.
