Ferroelectric studies for soft Gd-modified PZT ceramics

The polycrystalline samples of gadolinium-modified lead-zirconate-titanate (Pb1-xGdx (Zr0.52Ti0.48)(1-x/4)O-3) (x=0, 0.07, 0.10 and 0.12) (PGZT x/52/48) ceramics near morphotropic-phase boundary were prepared using conventional solid-state reaction route. XRD patterns show the formation of single-phase compounds in rhombohedral crystal system. SEM textures of the samples reveal uniform grain distribution. Frequency and temperature dependence of dielectric constant of the materials indicates non-relaxor behavior and indication of the diffuse phase transition at higher values of Gd concentration. The temperature dependence of P-E loops confirms ferroelectricity in the materials. The piezoelectric studies of the samples show enhancement in piezoelectric coefficients on substitution of Gd at the Pb site.