This research develops a bio-inspired zirconia composite for dental crowns by incorporating a polymer “mortar” to improve fracture toughness and reduce hardness. Using freeze casting, the material mimics nacre structure, preventing crack propagation and minimizing tooth wear, offering a more durable and biologically compatible alternative to conventional zirconia crowns.

Silicon carbide is strong and heat-resistant but fails catastrophically due to low fracture toughness. By adding graphene, cracks are deflected and require more energy to propagate. This research has doubled fracture toughness, enabling potential use in nuclear reactors and other high-temperature structural applications.