Mechanical and acid-etching properties of Bi(2)O(3)-ZnO-B(2)O(3) glass-containing ceramic fillers

The properties of the composite, having a complicated microstructure, are decided by many factors such as those of glass matrix, crystal phases, fillers, and holes. We investigated how the addition of ceramic fillers to the glass matrix affects the mechanical and etching properties of the glass composite by forming new crystal phases. Different amounts of two fillers, ZnO and Al(2)O(3), were added to a glass frit consisting of Bi(2)O(3)-ZnO-B(2)O(3). It was sintered at 550 degrees C for 30 min. Based on the results of this study, the porosity and degree of crystallization of the composites could be controlled by adjusting the content of the ZnO and Al(2)O(3) fillers. Therefore, porosity and degree of crystallization formed by the reaction between a glass matrix and fillers influence the mechanical and etching properties of the composite.