Abstract :
[en] The objective of this study was to introduce a functionally graded (FG) polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) block, characterized
by a gradient of mechanical properties, as a biomimetic material for computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) prostheses.
FG-PICN blocks were manufactured from a slurry of glass-ceramic powder, which was subsequently centrifuged and sintered. The
ceramic network was infiltrated with urethane dimethacrylate and polymerized under high temperature-pressure. Blocks were sectioned
into 9 layers, and each layer was subsequently cut into 3 samples. Samples were loaded into a 3-point bending device and tested for
flexural strength, flexural load energy, and flexural modulus. The volume percentage of glass-ceramic, hardness, and brittleness index
were also measured and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were performed. Katana translucent zirconia (HT-ZIR) and
e.max-CAD (EMX) were tested for comparison. Flexural strength, flexural load energy, and Weibull modulus of FG-PICN were shown
to increase from the first (enamel-like zone) to the ninth layer (dentin-like zone), while, on the contrary, flexural modulus, hardness,
brittleness index, and ceramic volume percentage decreased. SEM characterization highlighted a higher porosity in layer 9 than in layer 1.
Flexural strength of the dentin-like zone (372.7 ± 27.8 MPa) was similar to EMX and lower than HT-ZIR. Flexural modulus was shown to
vary from 41.9 ± 5.1 to 28.6 ± 2.0 GPa from surface to depth. Flexural load energy in the dentin-like zone (27.1 ± 4.9 mJ) was significantly
superior to EMX and HT-ZIR. Hardness gradient was shown to be close to tooth tissues. This work introduces FG-PICN blocks, with
a gradient of mechanical and optical properties through the entire thickness of the block designed to mimic dental tissues. FG-PICN
demonstrated a favorable gradient of flexural strength, elastic modulus, and, most of all, flexural load energy and hardness compared to
other CAD-CAM materials, which can promote the biomechanical behavior of single-unit restorations on teeth and implants.
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