Fundamentals and advances in production and application of non-stoichiometric lithium disilicate glass-ceramics: A brief review

The increasing demand for innovative materials with the desired properties aiming to improve the quality of life have motivated glass scientists towards the research of new compositions and processing routes. Li 2 O−SiO 2 system with composition close to lithium disilicate (Li 2 Si 2 O 5 ) is among the most studied systems regarding the control of crystallization in glass-ceramic synthesis. Extremely favourable combinations of physical-chemical properties superior to those demonstrated by other conventional materials attract further interest toward investigation of lithium disilicate based compositions. This paper aims at briefly describe the main achievements regarding the fundamental research, production and applications of lithium disilicate based glass-ceramics, with emphasis on non-stoichiometric compositions.