WANG Yufang, XIAO Zhuohao, YAN Chungen, FANG Yuelong
(Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China)

Abstract: Based on the IncoPat Patent Information Retrieval and Analysis System as well as Excel, 1325 patent applications on lithium disilicate glass-ceramics were analyzed to explore the global technology development trend, regional distribution, technology layout and research focuses. It is demonstrated that the global research on lithium disilicate glass-ceramics exhibits a growth trend. The United States, China, Liechtenstein and Japan are main technological innovation countries. China, the United States, Japan and the European Patent Office are the important target market countries or areas. Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Corning Inc. and Ohara Inc. are the important applicants. Three enterprises from China are listed in the Top 10 applicants; the preparation of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics, auxiliary processes and the application of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics in the dental field are the research hotspots. This research can be used as an important reference for China's technological innovation, industrial planning and intellectual property layout in the field of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics.
Key words: lithium disilicate; glass-ceramics; patent information; information analysis