Purpose: Lithium disilicate glass-ceramics often experience surface roughening due to occlusal adjustments and other processes, which may necessitate additional firing to repair. These practices could potentially affect the mechanical properties of li...
Purpose: Lithium disilicate glass-ceramics often experience surface roughening due to occlusal adjustments and other processes, which may necessitate additional firing to repair. These practices could potentially affect the mechanical properties of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics. This study aims to investigate the impact of varying levels of surface roughness and the effect of additional firing on the flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 specimens of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics, each with a thickness of 3.0 mm, width of 4.0 mm, and length of 30 mm, were prepared from blocks. Each specimen underwent mechanical polishing on both sides and crystallization firing. 10 specimens were designated as the EXF (As received) group. The remaining 90 specimens were divided into three groups (FI, ME, CO) based on surface roughness achieved using silicon carbide sandpaper. Additionally, half of each group underwent further firing at 840°C for 5 minutes, resulting in six experimental groups with 15 specimens each (FI, FI_R, ME, ME_R, CO, CO_R). The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, followed by 10,000 thermocycles (5/55°C). Flexural strength was measured using a universal testing machine, and Weibull modulus was calculated. Fracture surfaces and crystal structures were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), phase compositions were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and surface morphology was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Results: Surface roughness significantly affected flexural strength (P<.001). Groups with lower surface roughness (EXF, FI, FI_R) exhibited significantly higher flexural strength compared to groups with higher roughness (ME, ME_R, CO, CO_R) (P<.001). Additional firing did not significantly impact flexural strength (P>.05). However, there was a significant interaction effect between surface roughness and additional firing on flexural strength (P<.01). The Weibull modulus was higher in groups without additional firing (FI, ME, CO) compared to groups with additional firing (FI_R, ME_R, CO_R). Fracture surface analysis showed that FI and FI_R groups exhibited arrest lines that prevented crack propagation to the opposite side. XRD analysis indicated an increased proportion of SiO2 in groups with additional firing.
Conclusion: Lower surface roughness in lithium disilicate glass-ceramics leads to higher flexural strength. Short-term additional firing interacts with surface roughness, influencing flexural strength.