Mechanically controlled domain structure in PZT piezoelectric ceramics

The influence of the mechanically applied load on the piezoelectric properties and domain switching characteristics has been investigated experimentally using a soft lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoceramic, which de-poled to make randomly orientated domain structures. Mechanical loads were applied to rectangular PZT ceramics under compressive and tensile stresses. With the applied stress, 90° domain switching occurred in many locations in the PZT ceramics, where the higher stress caused more severe domain switching. The domain switching occurred with different directions, depending on the stress direction. For instance, the (2 0 0) peak increased and the (0 0 2) peak decreased when more severe compressive stress was applied. The opposite trend was detected as more severe tensile stress was applied; the (2 0 0) peak decreased and the (0 0 2) peak increased. With the applied loading process, the domains (long tetragonal c-axis) were orientated regularly in the PZT ceramics. Furthermore, like the electrically poled PZT ceramics, the domain orientations were more aligned when the sample surfaces were constrained during the loading process.