Thermal Depoling Effects on Anisotropy of Lead Zirconate Titanate Materials

Abstract

Changes in elastic anisotropy and fracture toughness anisotropy of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric material as a function of depoling temperature were investigated using ultrasound and Vickers indentation. A gradual transition from anisotropic to isotropic properties occurs with increased depoling temperatures at and above the Curie temperature. Depoling is also evident through changes in domain character revealed by X‐ray diffraction. The relationship between the mechanical properties and domain structure variation with respect to different depoling conditions is discussed.