Microstructure, mechanical, EPR and optical properties of lithium disilicate glasses and glass-ceramics doped with Mn2+ ions

► Mechanical, EPR and optical properties of LDS glass-ceramics are studied. ► Nano-sized crystals are developed with elongated, interlocked microstructures. ► High fracture toughness of ∼2.8 MPa m1/2 have been obtained. ► Cerammed samples upon 394 nm excitation emit a green luminescence at 565 nm. ► EPR spectra show signals with g values at g = 4.73, g = 4.10, g = 3.3 and g = 1.98.