Investigation of mechanical stability of lithium disilicate ceramic reinforced with titanium nanoparticles

The use of lithium disilicate (LD) glass-ceramic in dentistry is increasing due to its proper mechanical properties and aesthetic appearance. On the other hand, due to the forces acting on dental restorations, materials with mechanical properties as well as suitable tooth color are very important. Titanium nanoparticles (Ti-NP) as a material with suitable mechanical properties can be a used for the production of dental ceramics with higher strength by combining with the LD. The aim of this study was to determine the compressive strength of LD ceramics reinforced with Ti-NP in comparison with conventional LD. This experimental study was performed on 60 LD ceramic blockss containing the desired nanoparticles, Ti-NP with an average particle size of 50-70 nm with the content of 1 wt%, 2 wt% and 5 wt% were pressed in a stainless-steel mold under force of 200-250 MPa and then sintered in the electric furnace. The highest compressive strength of the standard sample groups compared to the commercial LD brand Emax (449±42.920 MPa) was for samples with 5 wt% Ti-NP (341.67 MPa (p 0.001). The addition of 2 wt% and 5 wt% Ti-NP increased the compressive strength of LD ceramic compared to the control group but decreased significantly compared to the conventional commercial sample. The addition of 5 wt% Ti-NP increased the compressive strength of LD ceramic compared to the control group.