Analysis of flexural strength and microhardness of two alumina glass infiltrated ceramic systems

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate, in vitro, the microhardness, mechanical properties and fracture surface morphology of two different systems of glass infiltrated dental ceramic: In-Ceram Alumina (Vita) and Alglass (Celmat) systems. Both materials were used to prepare bar-shaped specimens according to ISO 6872-1998. Three point flexural strength and Vickers microhardness through indentation tests were used to evaluate the samples. The samples surface fracture was achieved through SEM. The Results showed that In-Ceram Alumina presented higher flexural strength values (441.7 ± 54.1 MPa) than Alglass (287.8 ± 53.6 MPa). There was no significant statistic difference in microhardness Vickers results (1210,4 ± 90,0 HV; 1135,6 ± 117,5 HV) between two groups, respectively. In-Ceram Alumina had more homogeneity and less pores at fracture surface than the Alglass. However, Alglass has reduced costs in relation to In-Ceram Alumina and reached the ISO 6872-1998 standard requirements, by this mean this material can be considered to be used clinically used.