Effects of incorporation of silver and titanium nanoparticles on feldspathic ceramic toughness

Background. Porcelain is brittle and in many situations it requires replacement in fractured or chipped restorations. The prospects exist in improving the strength of feldspathic porcelain to widen its applications. This study evaluated the fracture toughness of feldspathic porcelain after incorporation of silver and titanium nanoparticles at varying concentrations (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt% and 2 wt%). Methods. Test specimen dimensions were standardized to ASTM C1421–16 standards and a three-point flexure test was carried out to evaluate fracture toughness. A total of 330 samples were fabricated and broadly divided into three groups. Group I (titanium nanoparticles) and group II (silver nanoparticles) were further subdivided into 5 groups (0 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt% and 2 wt%) for fracture toughness analysis, with each group consisting of 30 samples. Group III contained the superior concentration of both titanium and silver nanoparticles. The fracture toughness (KIC) was calculated using indentation fracture method and microstructure observations were made using scanning electron microscopy. The KIC values were compared and evaluated using one-way ANOVA. Results. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc test multiple comparisons. The mean values of group I, group II and group III were 1.949 MPa.m1/2, 2.002 MPa.m1/2 and 1.330 MPa.m1/2 , respectively. Conclusion. The results revealed that the samples reinforced with titanium and silver nanoparticles showed significant increases in fracture toughness. The blending of superior concentration of both titanium and silver nanoparticles decreased fracture resistance.