ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To research the influence of K(2)O composition in the raw material on leucite microcrystallization and to study the effect of leucite content on compressive strength of the dental glass ceramics reinforced by leucite microcrystallization.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The raw materials with different K(2)O content were treated by a decided thermal treatment system. The products were analyzed by polaring microscope and X-ray diffractometer, and their compressive strength was also tested.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The microstructure of products from high K(2)O component was remarkably good, at microcrystal size of 0.8 micro m and the compressive strength was 206.6 MPa. A positive correlation was found between leucite volume and the compressive strength when leucite volume was less than 50% (Vol%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The component of K(2)O has a great effect on the microstructure and the properties of the leucite-microcrystal-reinforced dental glass ceramics and the content of leucite microcrystals has a notable influence on the compressive strength of the dental glass ceramics.</p>