Qualitative and quantitative fracture analyses of high-strength ceramics

The aims of this study were to assess the applicability and repeatability of qualitative and quantitative analyses of the fracture patterns of four different high-strength ceramics. Ten bar-shaped specimens of four high-strength ceramics with different material composition and fabrication methods had been fractured by three-point bending in water (n = 40). Commonly used fractographic patterns for brittle materials, such as mirror and mist, were used to characterize and quantify the fractured surfaces of these specimens. The analyses were performed twice, on separate occasions, by the same operator. Assessment of the association between fractographic patterns and fracture stress was carried out, and repeatability assessments of the measurements were performed. The fracture initiator site and the common fractographic markers surrounding this site were found in all specimens. Statistically significant correlations were found between certain fracture patterns and stress at fracture. The repeatability of the measurements of the different fractographic patterns varied among the materials. Fracture analyses seem applicable as a tool to determine the fracture initiation site and to estimate the force vectors involved in the fracture of dental high-strength ceramics.