title: Comparative characterization of a novel cad-cam polymer-infiltrated-ceramic-network.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The field of dental ceramics for CAD-CAM is enriched with a new innovative material composition having a porous three-dimensional structure of feldspathic ceramic infiltrated with acrylic resins.The aim of this study is to determine the mechanical properties of Polymer-Infiltrated-Ceramic-Network (PICN) and compare its performance with other ceramics and a nano-ceramic resin available for CAD-CAM systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study a total of five different materials for CAD-CAM were investigated. A polymer-infiltrated ceramic (Vita Enamic), a nano-ceramic resin (Lava Ultimate), a feldspathic ceramic (Mark II), a lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS-e max CAD) and finally a Leucite based ceramic (Empress - CAD). From CAD-CAM blocks, 120 bars (30 for each material cited above) were cut to measure the flexural strength with a three-point-bending test. Strain at failure, fracture stress and Weibull modulus was calculated. Vickers hardness of each material was also measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  IPS-EMAX presents mechanical properties significantly better from the other materials studied. Its strain at failure, flexural strength and hardness exhibited significantly higher values in comparison with the others. VITA ENAMIC and LAVA ULTIMATE stand out as the next most resistant materials.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The flexural strength, elastic modulus similar to a tooth as well as having less hardness than ceramics make PICN materials an option to consider as a restorative material.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Ceramic infiltrated with resin, CAD-CAM, Weibull modulus, flexural strength, micro hardness.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Dental Materials, European University of Valencia.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Albero
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Materials, University of Valencia.
authors.forename: Agustín
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pascual
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Dental Materials, University of Valencia.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Camps
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Dental Materials, European University of Valencia.
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grau-Benitez