Convergent-beam electron diffraction studies of domains in tetragonal phase of lead zirconate titanate ceramics

Abstract

Lead zirconate titanate Pb(ZrxTi(1-x))O3(PZT) ceramics are ferroelectrics formed as solid solutions between PbTiO3and PbZrO3. Among the different phases in the ferroelectric state, the primary ones are the Ti+4rich tetragonal phase and the Zr+4rich rhombohedral phase. The coexistence of both T and R phases at the boundary composition has been reported using the convergent beam electron diffraction method. In an attempt to characterize the ferroelectric domains in the different phases, a study on the tetragonal phase is reported here, as such an analysis is useful in identifying the phases at the phase boundary.The ceramic used in this study was prepared by conventional ceramic processing and the composition of the sample examined was Pb(Zr0.55Ti0.45)O3. The structure has been found to be tetragonal with lattice parameters a=4.0155Å and c=4.1033Å using X-ray diffraction studies of powder samples.