Influence of nano-ZrO2 additive on the bending strength and fracture toughness of fluoro-silicic mica glass–ceramics

Fluoro-silicic mica glass–ceramics were prepared by a sintering process and different proportions of nano-ZrO2 particles (3Y-TZP) were integrated during the process. Bending strength and fracture toughness were evaluated using a three-point bending test and a Vickers indenter, respectively. The bending strength and fracture toughness improved in significantly with the increase in the quantity of nano-ZrO2 additives. The highest bending strength of 324.3 ± 12.3 MPa and fracture toughness of 4.2 ± 0.11 MPa m1/2 were obtained with 30% (wt.) nano-ZrO2. Good results were also obtained in morphological observations. The glass–ceramic is homogenous and the ZrO2 grains embed in the lamellar structures of the fluoro-silicic mica homogenously and completely and array well and compactly. On the fracture surface, both the transgranular fracture and the intergranular fracture can be observed clearly.