Correlation of small- and large-signal properties of lead zirconate titanate multilayer actuators

Polarization and strain hysteresis curves of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) multilayer actuators were obtained for both bipolar and unipolar electrical loading as a function of applied uniaxial compressive stress. These large-signal dielectric and piezoelectric properties are correlated with the corresponding small-signal properties of longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient d(33) and longitudinal dielectric permittivity epsilon(33). A complete comparison is afforded by obtaining the small-signal properties as functions of both applied DC electrical field and uniaxial compressive stress. Results are presented in terms of guidelines for optimal performance of multilayer actuators, but also in terms of a qualitative description correlating the hysteresis of the piezoelectric coefficient with the macroscopic strain. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.