Changes in the dielectric properties of Pb(Zr1/2Ti1/2)O3–Pb(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics under compressive stress applied perpendicularly to the electric field

Abstract

The effects of compressive stress, applied perpendicularly to the electric field, on the dielectric properties of (1 − x)Pb(Zr1/2Ti1/2)O3–(x)Pb(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3 (x = 0.1–0.5) ceramics were investigated. The results showed that compressive stress had pronounced effects on the dielectric properties of PZT–PCN ceramics. With increasing compressive stress the dielectric constant decreased, while the dielectric loss tangent increased. The observations were interpreted mainly in terms of competing influences of the domain switching through non-180° domain walls, clamping of domain walls and de-ageing mechanisms. The observed changes in the dielectric properties under perpendicular compressive stress were exactly opposite to those under parallel stress.