Preparation and characterization of enstatite-leucite glass-ceramics for dental restoration

Abstract For fabrication of novel glass-ceramic materials for use as dental restoration, seven glass compositions of different calculated percentages of enstatite and leucite, ranging from 10% to 70% enstatite, at 10% intervals, were prepared. Batches were melted in electric furnace at 1600°C-1670°C for 3-4 hours, casted, annealed, then subjected to heat treatments. Phase analysis using x-ray diffraction and microstructural characterization via scanning electron microscope were obtained. In addition, density, Vickers microhardness, flexural strength, and chemical solubility measurement were performed according to dental ceramics standards. Phase analysis revealed the characteristic peaks of leucite, forsterite, enstatite, and quartz that were confirmed through the microstructural investigations. Superior microhardness (9.081 GPa), flexural strength (122.075 MPa) and chemical durability (0.026% weight loss) were documented for 70% enstatite and 30% leucite glass-ceramic sample, suggesting its use in many dental applications. It was concluded that density, mechanical properties and chemical resistance increase with increasing enstatite content.