Domain switching characteristics of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics during mechanical compressive loading

To better understand the domain switching characteristics of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics, the orientations of domains have been directly investigated during loading and unloading using various experimental techniques Upon loading, linear and non-linear fracture mechanics of the PZT ceramics are observed The slope of the stress-strain response is attributed mainly to lattice strain and domain switching strain During the loading process, electrical activity also occurs several times in the PZT ceramics This activity is related to a lightning-like phenomenon and consists of a bright flash with a click This electrogenerative event is caused by severe domain switching The characteristics of domain switching and reverse switching are detected during the loading and unloading processes The amount of domain switching depends on the grain due to different stress levels In addition, two patterns of 90 degrees domain switching systems are characterized, namely (i) 90 degrees turn about the tetragonal c-axis and (ii) 90 degrees rotation of the tetragonal a-axis (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved