Bioglass composites: a potential material for dental application

Bioglass, a promising material for dental applications, can be reinforced with ductile stainless steel fibres. Three aspects of the fibre-reinforced bioglass composites are discussed. They are the interface between the glass and the metal fibres, the mechanical properties of the composites and their in vivo bonding behaviour. The importance of a good interfacial bond between the glass and the metal fibres is outlined. The improvement in strength and toughness, due to the fibres, is explained. The in vivo bonding behaviour of the bioglass composite is checked under statically loaded conditions.