Evolution of a stable polarization state in lead zirconate titanate ceramics by repeated partial switching -: art. no. 212901

The development of the ferroelectric polarization of lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) bulk ceramics under varying electric fields is examined. Repeated partial switching and backswitching results in a decrease of the switchable polarization, but has no effect on the effective strain. This is attributed to a stabilization of the domain structure, which leads to a decrease of the electric losses. The results are discussed with respect to the effective strain of PZT ceramics for piezoelectric actuators. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.