Improved performances of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics by seed induced crystallization

Abstract Self-reinforced lithium disilicate (Li 2 Si O 5 , LD) glass-ceramics were hot pressing sintered by introducing wt% Li crystal seeds into two different glass compositions of SiO -Li O-P -ZrO -Al 3 -K O-La (7C and O-K (4C LD). The results show that the play an important role in crystallization inducement, microstructural property improvement glass, especially for powder without nucleating agent P . microstructure features a wider bimodal grain size distribution with large rod-like crystals epitaxially grown along small nucleated from itself, contributing to performance fracture toughness. specimen 4C LD addition exhibited best comprehensive properties good flexural strength (396±7 MPa), improved toughness (3.31±0.19 MPa·m 1/2 ), comparable translucency as IPS e.max. This research provides new idea method affecting its aesthetic appearance, lays foundation clinical applications.