Crack tip 90° domain switching in tetragonal lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate under an electric field

Abstract

Lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric ceramics (Pb0.96La0.04)(Zr0.40Ti0.60)0.99O3 were synthesized by the conventional powder processing technique. X-ray diffraction experiments revealed that the samples belong to the tetragonal phase with a = b = 0.4055 nm, c = 0.4109 nm, and c/a = 1.013. After being poled, the samples were indented with a 5-kg Vickers indenter, and lateral electric fields of 0.4 Ec, 0.5 Ec, and 0.6 Ec (Ec = 1100 V/mm) were applied, respectively. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed that 90° domain switching appeared near the tip of the indentation crack under a lateral electric field of 0.6 Ec. A mechanism of 90° domain switching near the crack tip under an electric field is discussed.