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. 2014 May;30(5):564-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2014.02.019. Epub 2014 Mar 20.

Characterization of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material

Alvaro Della Bona  1 , Pedro H Corazza  2 , Yu Zhang  3
Affiliations

Characterization of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material

Alvaro Della Bona et al. Dent Mater. 2014 May.

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize the microstructure and determine some mechanical properties of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) material (Vita Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik) available for CAD-CAM systems.

Methods: Specimens were fabricated to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of the material's microstructure and to determine the fracture toughness (KIc), density (ρ), Poisson's ratio (ν) and Young's modulus (E). KIc was determined using V-notched specimens and the short beam toughness method, where bar-shaped specimens were notched and 3-point loaded to fracture. ρ was calculated using Archimedes principle, and ν and E were measured using an ultrasonic thickness gauge with a combination of a pulse generator and an oscilloscope.

Results: Microstructural analyses showed a ceramic- and a polymer-based interpenetrating network. Mean and standard deviation values for the properties evaluated were: KIc=1.09±0.05MPam(1/2), ρ=2.09±0.01g/cm(3), ν=0.23±0.002 and E=37.95±0.34GPa.

Significance: The PICN material showed mechanical properties between porcelains and resin-based composites, reflecting its microstructural components.

Keywords: Microstructure; Poisson's ratio; Polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network; Short beam toughness; Young's modulus.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Loaded V-notched specimen on a three point bending device Showing crack propagation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
V-notch depth (a) measurement using a SEM image (100×) of the specimen.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A–C) Representative micrographs (SEM–BSI) of the material microstructure and a semi-quantitative EDS spectrum (D) from (A). (A) Lower magnification (1500×) image shows two interconnected networks: a ceramic- and a polymer-based. (B and C) Close-up views (5000× and 20,000×) and EDS analyses identified the composition of the two-phase ceramic network as leucite (*) and zirconia (†) interconnected to a polymer-based network (‡). Few microcracks were observed in the network boundaries (black arrows).
Figure 4
Figure 4
SEM image showing a specimen notch with root diameter of 28 µm (or root radius of 14 µm) (1000×).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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