Fabrication of polymer infused multiphase glass ceramic block

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to fabricate polymer infused multiphase glass ceramic block and explore mechanical properties, optical properties and physical properties of the ceramic block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polymer Infused Multiphase glass ceramic specimens were prepared with the slip-casting technique. The specimens were divided into 3 groups based on different sintering temperatures: Group 1) 850 °C, 2) 880 °C, and 3) 900 °C. After sintering, density before resin infiltration of specimens was measured and calculated. All specimens were immersed in silane solution and infused with resin solution then cured under Hydraulic press. Specimens were examined for physical optical and mechanical properties including microstructure, crystal characterization, biaxial flexural strength, translucency parameter and contrast ratio. All data underwent one-way of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test for comparisons with a significance threshold set at a p-value of <0.05. RESULTS: A slip casting technique was effectively employed to fabricate a multiphase glass ceramic material, followed by resin infusion and curing under isostatic pressure. Biaxial flexural strength variations were observed among specimens subjected to different sintering temperatures, as evidenced by testing with a universal testing machine. Additionally, spectrophotometer analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in translucency parameter and contrast ratio among groups of specimens sintered at varying temperatures before polymer infiltration. However, there is a statistically significant difference among groups after polymer infiltration. Scanning Electron Microscope images confirmed the presence of resin interpenetrating networks within the specimens. Notably, the properties of the specimens were significantly influenced by the sintering temperature. CONCLUSION: 1. Polymer Infused Multiphase glass ceramic material can be fabricated from the combination of resin infused ceramic and feldspathic porcelain. 2. Different sintering temperatures show no influence on the density of polymer infused multiphase glass ceramic materials, both before and after resin infiltration. 3. Different sintering temperatures show no influence on translucency parameter, contrast ratio of polymer infused multiphase glass ceramic materials before resin infiltration. 4. Resin infiltrated networks sintered at 900°C exhibit lower biaxial flexural strength and translucency parameter compared to polymer infused multiphase glass ceramic material sintered at 850°C and 880°C. 5. Resin infiltrated networks sintered at 900°C exhibit superior contrast ratio compared to polymer infused multiphase glass ceramic material sintered at 850°C and 880°C. 6. Scanning Electron Microscope images reveals interpenetrating networks in the polymer infused multiphase glass ceramic material.