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TiO 2 is known to play a key role in the controlled crystallization of "bulk processed nepheline glasses". The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding TiO 2 to a nepheline glass system made for powder processing to develop glass-ceramics for dental applications via the sinter-crystallization route. Three novel glass compositions based on the nepheline system were synthesized using the melt-quench method. Glasses were designed to contain 3.0 mole % TiO 2 , 6 mole % TiO 2 , and one glass made free of TiO 2 . Experimental glasses were ground into fine powders and then heat-treated at identical crystallization schedules. The addition of TiO 2 hindered the densification process during the sintercrystallization heat treatment. TiO 2 free glass was found to sinter crystallize into a desirable material. In this study, the use of 3 mole % TiO 2 and less was found to be effective in controlling the thermal properties without hindering the densification process during sinter crystallization.

The fundamental science behind glass and glass-ceramics in relation to research including syntheses, processing, characterization and applications are critically reviewed in this paper. The crystalline structure of the crystalline phases/s investigated in the literature is also discussed. Throughout this paper, the scene is set toward the overall picture of the rationale behind the choice of a glass system. Additionally, earlier reviews do not include the most recent literature in this fast-moving field. The main methods of synthesizing glasses and glass-ceramics are explained and described in relation to their applications. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research.