After their fracture at the end of three-point flexural strength test, Inceram®ZTA bars have been ground and polished and had their relative amounts of phases evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Samples of 10 bars with 25.0 mm length and 4.0 mm width have been prepared for each of the following thickness: 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm. Results: (a) 3mm thick In-Ceram®ZTA bars do not achieve a complete lanthanum alumino-silicate glass infiltration up to their core under operational conditions recommended by the manufacturer; (b) SEM with back-scattered electrons is effectively a suitable technique for studying infiltration of lanthanum glass into in-Ceram®ZTA bars.
dental ceramics; In-Ceram®ZTA; flexural strength; SEM characterization
