In this study, semitransparent lithium disilicate glass–ceramics in the Li₂O–K₂O–Al₂O₃–Y₂O₃–La₂O₃–SiO₂ system was investigated by incorporation of P₂O₅ as nucleation agent and alkaline earth oxides as additive. The influence of alkaline earth oxides on the structure of glasses network, crystalline phases, microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated by means of Raman spectra, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical strength was measured corresponding to norm ISO 6872. The Raman spectra predominantly showed that small additions of alkaline earth oxides not only form asymmetrical vibrations of the M–Si–O bonds, but also enhance the intensities of symmetrical vibrations of the P–O bonds, making the glass network more stable. And the small additions of CaO or BaO has more influence on the crystallization behaviour, crystalline phase, microstructure and mechanical properties of the glass–ceramics than the addition of MgO. The additions of alkaline earth oxides enhanced the first exothermic peak temperature but decreased the flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass–ceramics.

Amorphous Zr₅₀Al_15−𝑥Ni₁₀Cu₂₅Y_𝑥 powders were fabricated by mechanical alloying at a low rotation speed from commercial pure element powders. The beneficial effect of Al partially substituted by Y in Zr₅₀Al₁₅Ni₁₀Cu₂₅ on glass-forming ability was investigated. The as-milled powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that partial substitution of Al by Y can improve the glass-forming ability of Zr₅₀Al₁₅Ni₁₀Cu₂₅ alloy. Thermodynamic calculation of equivalent free energy shows that Zr₅₀Al_13.8Ni₁₀Cu₂₅Y_1.2 alloy has the highest glass-forming ability, which is in good agreement with the report of orthogonal experiments.