Development and Evaluation of Glass‐Ceramics and Glass‐Ceramic/Zirconia Composites for Dental Fixed Applications
Annotatsiya
ABSTRACT This study presents a novel class of glass‐ceramics (GCs) and GC/zirconia composites designed for dental applications, developed within the CaO‐MgO‐SiO 2 ternary system through the synergistic addition of 3.40 wt.% Al 2 O 3 and 25 wt.% 3Y‐TZP. This combined reinforcement strategy effectively enhances mechanical reliability while preserving favorable tribological behavior. XRD and SEM/EDS analyses revealed well‐defined crystalline assemblages, consisting of diopside, wollastonite, and zirconium yttrium oxide in K‐free systems and diopside, α‐potassium magnesium silicate, and zirconium yttrium oxide in K‐containing materials. The incorporation of 3Y‐TZP significantly improved flexural strength and Weibull modulus, indicating increased structural reliability, while maintaining coefficients of dynamic friction comparable to dental enamel. All developed materials meet the flexural strength requirements of ISO 6872, supporting their suitability for dental fixed restorations. Moreover, their mechanical properties closely resemble those of natural dentine and enamel, ensuring harmonious interaction with surrounding hard tissues without causing injury. Brittleness index values further confirm their suitability for CAD/CAM processing, highlighting the strong potential of these novel GCs and GC/zirconia composites as next‐generation dental restorative materials.