A novel polymer infiltrated ceramic dental material

ObjectivesTo evaluate the mechanical behavior of a prototype porous ceramic interpenetrating polymer–ceramic material containing 15–20% polymer.MethodsAfter sample preparation, elastic modulus, hardness, stress–strain relationship and indentation creep response were measured by a nanoindentation system. Fracture toughness was measured by the single-edge-notched beam (SENB) method. SEM was employed to observe the fractured surface and analyze the fracture mechanisms.ResultsThe polymer infiltrated ceramic material has elastic modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness values of 30.14 GPa, 2.59 GPa, and 1.72 MPa m1/2, respectively. The material illustrates a significant indentation size effect for elastic modulus and hardness, and has similar indentation creep behavior to human enamel. Manufacturing procedures such as the density of pre-infiltrated porous ceramic and processing pressure influence the final properties of the material.SignificanceThis polymer infiltrated ceramic material is anticipated to become a new member of the dental CAD/CAM family.