In this study, a composite has been fabricated consisting of glass flakes and Bis-GMA+ acrylic acid to mimic the layered microstructure of nacre via water evaporation-induced self-assembly and polymer infiltration. The flexural strength of this composite ranges from 140MPa to 200MPa with a glass fraction between 25 vol% to 50 vol%. The flexural elastic modulus of this composite is between 18 GPa to 28 GPa, which shares the same range as that of human dentine. Moreover, this composite shows nice crack resistance with a rising Crack growth resistance curve(R-curve) behaviour and a valid fracture toughness of about 3 MPa.m1/2. Several extrinsic toughening mechanisms could be clarified from in-situ SEM, such as crack deflection, pull-out of glass flakes, and crack bifurcation. Besides, this composite presents a nice optical property with a total transmittance from 50% to 70%.

This composite is promising for orthodontic bracket application, as it shows nice strength and fracture resistance at the same time with a satisfying translucent appearance.