90 degrees -domain reversal in Pb(Zr/sub x/Ti/sub 1-x/)O/sub 3/ ceramics

A simple and direct method is proposed which can be used for quantitatively distinguishing the mechanisms of domain reorientation processes in polycrystalline materials. Using this method, the 90 degrees domain reorientation in Pb(Zr/sub x/Ti/sub 1-x/)O/sub 3/ (PZT) ceramic under electric field was examined by X-ray diffraction analysis. It was found that the polarization switching in the PZT ceramic with a composition near the morphotropic phase boundary is predominantly controlled by two successive 90 degrees domain processes rather than by 180 degrees domain wall reversal. Experimental results also indicate that the coercive field of the ceramics is related to the cooperative deformation associated with each grain, which arises from the 90 degrees domain reversal process.<
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