On the possibility of estimating the fracture toughness of enamel

• The energetic approach methodology is used to estimate the KC of bovine enamel.
• Alternative energetic methodology has been developed to estimate KC of the enamel.
• The method is based on the contact stiffness evolution during the cracking process.
• The KC values are compared with those obtained using others methodologies.

ObjectivesThere are many works that have attempted to estimate the fracture toughness of enamel by indentation techniques using equations whose success in determining the actual value of fracture toughness, rely on a particular three-dimensional pattern consisting of cracks growing from the edges of the indentation. Recently, an alternative methodology based on an energetic approach has been developed to estimate the fracture toughness of coatings by depth sensing indentation that is not less affected by the cracks pattern generated. In this work, the energetic approach to indentation fracture toughness of bovine enamel is presented and compared with those toughness values obtained using the traditional expressions reported in the literature.MethodsIndentation tests were carried out using a diamond Berkovich indenter onto the enamel surface of eight incisors from bovines of two years old. A continuous stiffness measurement methodology was used with a frequency of 45 Hz and displacement amplitude of 2 nm up to a maximum penetration depth of 2000 nm.ResultsThe results showed that some modifications in the energetic methodology should be performed in order to apply it successfully.SignificanceThe fracture toughness values obtained using the traditional equation and applying the energetic methodology, were significantly different, although the values were within the range obtained by other authors.