Flexural strength and translucent characteristics of lithium disilicate glass–ceramics with different P2O5 content

Lithium disilicate glass–ceramics derived from the SiO2–Li2O–K2O–Al2O3–ZrO2–P2O5 system with different P2O5 content (from 0.5 mol.% to 2.0 mol.% at a step of 0.5 mol.%) were prepared for dental restorative application. Flexural strength of final glass–ceramics and translucent characteristics expressed in term of contrast ratio (CR) were measured. The interrelations between P2O5 content, microstructure and properties were discussed. Glass–ceramic with a P2O5 content of 1.0 mol.%, in which elongated rod-like Li2Si2O5 crystals formed an interlocking microstructure, showed the highest flexural strength and suitable contrast ratio for dental restorative application.