Operational stability of textured PMN-PT and PMN-PZT ceramics under combined thermal, electrical and mechanical excitation

Abstract

The electromechanical response of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) and Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PMN-PZT) textured ceramics is evaluated. Results reveal that crystallographic texturing may enhance electromechanical performance without sacrificing mechanical robustness. The presence of grain boundaries enhance material stability but with increased dielectric and mechanical losses. Following lessons learned during relaxor piezocrystal development, doping of PMN-PT is explored to reduce losses while ternary PMN-PZT is investigated for its increased thermal and electrical stability. Correlations with piezocrystals are drawn and the results confirm the promise of textured ceramic electroactive material, but demonstrate the need to reduce losses and increase thermal, electrical and mechanical stability.