FRACTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF LITHIUM DISILICATE CERAMICS AND MONOLITHIC ZIRCONIA CERAMICS

Objective: To compare the fracture mode of lithium disilicate ceramics and zirconia ceramics through a single-load-to-failure test, and reveal the cause of failure through the fractographic analysis of fracture morphology. Methods: Based on the standardized preparations, 10 IPS e.max disilicate ceramic crowns (IPCs) and 10 monolithic zirconia ceramic crowns (MZCs) were designed and fabricated. All the specimens were placed on a universal material testing machine for a single-load-to-failure test. The fracture load was recorded, and two independent sample [Formula: see text]-tests were performed. Additionally, the type of fracture under a stereo-microscope was observed, and the morphological characteristics of the fracture with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were investigated. Results: The fracture load of the IPC group was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N, and that of the MZC group was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N, with a statistically significant difference ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The fracture types of the IPC group and the MZC group were similar, namely, types II and III. The fracture modes of the two groups were all ceramic layer fracture. Through SEM, the origin of the crack on the occlusal surface could be traced back. The crystal fracture of IPC group had a rock sugar-like pattern, and the crystal distribution of MZC group was uniform. Conclusions: Zirconia ceramics have higher fracture load and a denser crystal structure compared to lithium disilicate. Fractographic analysis method could be a better way to analyze the failure mode of single-layer porcelain materials and reveal the origin of fracture.