抄録
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 nonlinear 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 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. Two patterns of 90° domain-switching systems are characterized, namely (i) 90° turn about the tetragonal c-axis and (ii) 90° rotation of the tetragonal a-axis.
