title: Characterization of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To characterize the microstructure and determine some mechanical properties of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) material (Vita Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik) available for CAD-CAM systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Specimens were fabricated to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of the material's microstructure and to determine the fracture toughness (KIc), density (ρ), Poisson's ratio (ν) and Young's modulus (E). KIc was determined using V-notched specimens and the short beam toughness method, where bar-shaped specimens were notched and 3-point loaded to fracture. ρ was calculated using Archimedes principle, and ν and E were measured using an ultrasonic thickness gauge with a combination of a pulse generator and an oscilloscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Microstructural analyses showed a ceramic- and a polymer-based interpenetrating network. Mean and standard deviation values for the properties evaluated were: KIc=1.09±0.05MPam(1/2), ρ=2.09±0.01g/cm(3), ν=0.23±0.002 and E=37.95±0.34GPa.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PICN material showed mechanical properties between porcelains and resin-based composites, reflecting its microstructural components.
authors.affiliation: Post-graduation Program in Dentistry, Dental School, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. Electronic address: dbona@upf.br.
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Della Bona
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Institute of Science and Technology of São José dos Campos, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Pedro H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Corazza
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomaterials & Biomimetics, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D002516:Ceramics; D003764:Dental Materials; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials; D011108:Polymers; C000621297:VITA Enamic
keywords: Microstructure; Poisson's ratio; Polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network; Short beam toughness; Young's modulus