Translucent nanocrystalline glass ceramic

A method for manufacturing translucent ZrO2—SiO2 nanocrystalline glass ceramic, comprising the steps of:

• Providing a first solution by mixing a first precursor comprising silicon (IV), a solvent and an acidic aqueous solution, wherein the acidic aqueous solution has a concentration of 0.1-1 mol/L, whereby the first precursor is hydrolyzed;
• Providing a second solution by mixing a second precursor comprising zirconium (IV) and a solvent;
• Combining the first and second solutions, wherein the molar ratio between Zr and Si in said solution ranges from 20:80 to 90:10;
• Hydrolyzing the second precursor and polymerizing the combined solution by addition of an acidic aqueous solution having a concentration of 5-12 mol/L, to form a sol;
• Ageing the sol to form a clear sol;
• Polymerizing the clear sol by addition of an acidic aqueous solution;
• Ageing the clear sol to form a gel;
• Drying the gel to form a xerogel;
• Micronising of the xerogel to form a powder, and optionally including particle size selection;
• Calcining the powder, optionally with pre-compaction or compaction during the calcination process;
• and
• Sintering the calcined powder, optionally with pre-compaction or compaction during the calcination process.