Investigation of sintering, crystallization and mechanical properties of silver nanoparticles-reinforced wollastonite glass-ceramic

In this communication, the sintering behavior, crystallization and mechanical properties of silver nanoparticlesreinforced wollastonite glass-ceramic were investigated. The maximum amount of reinforcer phase was added by 15 wt%. Besides, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed through exploding wire method (EWM) and using direct current (DC) with a current density of more than 3 x 10(8) A/m(2) and alternating current (AC). The phases in the composites were evaluated through X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and the morphological properties were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, particle size was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In order to evaluate the sintering rate of the sample, the criterion of water absorption rate was utilized. Also, the mechanical properties such as three-point flexural strength, micro hardness and fracture toughness of the samples were investigated. The results revealed that with the addition of silver, the toughness and flexural strength of three points increased.