TfI15: Domain orientation change induced by ferroelectric fatigue process in lead zirconate titanate ceramics

Abstract

Domain orientation change induced by ferroelectric fatigue process is investigated in lead zirconate titanate type ceramics using X-ray diffraction. For hard lead zirconate titanate ceramics, a conversion of the domains, from the orientations perpendicular to the cycling field to the orientation parallel to it, is verified. For soft lead lanthanum zirconate titanate ceramics near the tetragonal-rhombohedral morphotropic phase boundary, a rhombohedral to tetragonal phase conversion and consequent stabilization of the tetragonal phase is revealed. The results can be well explained by the gradual buildup of a directional pinning force which impedes ferroelectric switching. The reorientation and migration of the defects and/or space charge induced by the cycling electric field are proposed to be responsible for the buildup of the directional pinning force.