Effects of 90° domain switching on electric generation properties of PZT ceramic

The influence of domain switching on the electric generation properties of lead zirconate tinatate (PZT) ceramic has been investigated after static and cyclic loadings under various conditions. A PZT ceramic of size ϕ8.0 mm×0.17 mm, consisting of a tetragonal lattice structure, i.e., c/a≠1.014, was used. Domain switching occurred as a result of the applied stress, where three different switching modes were employed: (I) simple 90° switching; (II) 90° switching with 90° rotation; and (III) 90° switching with 180° rotation. The rates of the switching mode were different: the simple switching mode (Mode I) was 20%; and both complicated switching modes (Mode II and III) were 40%. The extent of 90° domain switching was different depending on the grain and where the direction of the tetragonal structure (c-axis direction) was affected, e.g., the closer the parallel between the c-axis and the stress direction, the stronger the domain switching. The electric generation voltage increased with increasing applied cyclic stress; however, that voltage dropped suddenly as the stress value was close to its elastic limit. This is due to the 90° domain switching. Such domain switching (reduction of the electric voltage) occurred in the early cyclic stage.