Processing and properties of a mica–apatite glass–ceramic reinforced with Y-PSZ particles

In this study, mica–apatite glass–ceramic was reinforced with 5, 10 and 15 wt.% partially stabilized zirconia (Y-PSZ). The composites were prepared via pressureless sintering, which was performed on the mixtures of zirconia particulates and two frits belonging to the fluoro-mica and apatite-based glasses. The sintered composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties of the sintered samples such as bending strength, Vickers micro-hardness and fracture toughness were also investigated. The results showed that Y-PSZ dissolved in the residual glass and caused the formation of prismatic zircon crystals (ZrSiO4) precipitated during the final stage of sintering. Spherical zirconia particles were also detected. Mechanical properties improved for composite containing 10 wt.% ZrO2.