The biaxial flexural strength of two pressable ceramic systems.

The biaxial flexural strength of Optimal pressable ceramics and IPS Empress pressable ceramics were tested, compared and the micro-structures and compositions explored. The materials evaluated were Optimal shaded (Opcs) and unshaded (Opcus) ceramics and IPS Empress shaded (Ems) and unshaded (Emus) ceramics. Twenty-one disc specimens per material were prepared, heat-treated and tested. The piston on three-ball test ASTM F394-78 (1991) was used to test the specimens in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.15 mm/min. Specimens were viewed in a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction used to determine the phases present. Mean strengths (MPa +/- SD) were: Ems 120.1 +/- 20.5, Emus 135.8 +/- 16.0, Opcs 139.1 +/- 14.3 and Opcus 138.0 +/- 11.5. There was no statistically significant difference between Optimal shaded, Optimal unshaded and Empress unshaded strength values (p > 0.05). Empress shaded strength values were significantly lower than the other materials tested (p < 0.05). Weibull analysis provided m values: Ems 6.1, Emus 10.2, Opcs 12.8 and Opcus 13.9 and 1% and 5% probabilities of failure. Secondary electron imaging revealed a dense dispersal of leucite crystals in the glassy matrix of the Optimal ceramics of an average size 5.5 +/- 9.7 micron 2 for the Optimal shaded ceramic and 6.6 +/- 13.3 micron 2 for the Optimal unshaded ceramic. Leucite crystal agglomerates were evident for the Empress shaded material and a uniform distribution of fine leucite crystals (1.9 +/- 1.8 micron 2) for the Empress unshaded ceramic. Crystal and matrix microcracking were present in most of the material microstructures, together with porosity and tabular alumina platelets in the Optimal ceramics. X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of tetragonal leucite and small amounts of cubic leucite. Optimal ceramics and Empress unshaded ceramic provided higher strength and Weibull m values compared with Empress shaded ceramic. Inherent material defects were characterised and cubic leucite was identified.