Microstructural evolution and physical behavior of a lithium disilicate glass–ceramic

Highlights • We studied the effect of various thermal processing on the crystallization kinetics, crystallite microstructure, and strength of a lithium disilicate system. • The growth of Li2 O–2SiO2 crystals was independent of the overall heating time but dependent on a minimum temperature threshold. • The lithium disilicate system formed three evolutionary stages through controlled devitrification via distinctive heating schedules. • Each stage yielded a principal microstructure that possessed interesting, sometimes peculiar, combinations of glassy-crystalline properties. • Groups heated above the minimum temperature threshold exhibited improved flexural strength, fracture toughness, and elastic modulus.