Analysis of intrinsic lattice deformation in PZT-ceramics of different compositions

High resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used to investigate extri nsic (domain switching) and intrinsic (lattice deformation) contributions t o the total strain induced by external electric field in soft lead zirconat e titanate (PZT) ceramics. Evidence was presented for both 180 degrees and non-180 degrees domain switching. The direction dependence of the lattice d eformation was examined. It was found that in rhombohedral PZT, the highest lattice strain occurs in [100] direction, and for tetragonal PZT, the high est lattice strain occurs in [101] direction. Finally it was found, that th e lattice strain gives a higher contribution to the total strain for rhombo hedral PZT than for tetragonal PZT. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.