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Structure, domain structure and piezoelectricity in perovskite and related ceramics

Ian M. Reaney 

Sheffield University, Brook Hill, Sheffield S37HF, United Kingdom

Abstract

Perovskites and related compounds constitute the majority of commercial piezoelectric ceramics. Typically, most publications note the structure, grain size and properties of piezoelectrics but often very little is reported about their domain and domain wall structure. In many commercial systems, it is the motion or vibration of the domain wall which dominate the piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling coefficients, the so-called extrinsic contribution. This article discusses mechanisms relating to structure and domain wall structure which either suppress or enhance extrinsic contributions. Consideration is given to the multiferroic nature of some systems in which octahedral tilt in addition to ferroelectric phase transitions occur. The domain structure at and adjacent to the morphotropic phase boundary in several well known systems is also discussed.

 

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Presentation: Invited oral at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008, Symposium C, by Ian M. Reaney
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008

Submitted: 2008-05-15 15:16
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:48