Effects of MO (M = Mg, Ca, Ba) on crystallization and flexural strength of semi-transparent lithium disilicate glass-ceramics

In this study, semitransparent lithium disilicate glass-ceramics in the Li2O-K2O-Al2O3-Y2O3-La2O3-SiO2 system was investigated by incorporation of P2O5 as nucleation agent and alkaline earth oxides as additive. The influence of alkaline earth oxides on the structure of glasses network, crystalline phases, microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated by means of Raman spectra, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical strength was measured corresponding to norm ISO 6872. The Raman spectra predominantly showed that small additions of alkaline earth oxides not only form asymmetrical vibrations of the M-Si-O bonds, but also enhance the intensities of symmetrical vibrations of the P-O bonds, making the glass network more stable. And the small additions of CaO or BaO has more influence on the crystallization behaviour, crystalline phase, microstructure and mechanical properties of the glass-ceramics than the addition of MgO. The additions of alkaline earth oxides enhanced the first exothermic peak temperature but decreased the flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics.