Antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric phase switching PLSnZT ceramics. I. Structure, compositional modification and electrical properties

Abstract

Electric field induced antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric (AFE-FE) phase transformation is usually accompanied by large strain, which is attractive for actuator applications. In this study, the AFE-FE switching of lead lanthanum stannate zirconate titanate (PLSnZT) was investigated and efforts were made to find high strain compositions with low switching field and hysteresis. Compositional modifications on both the A- and B- site were attempted in order to modify material properties. The B-site modifications were completed through manipulation of the Ti:Sn and Zr:Sn ratios. On the other hand, the A-site modifications were accomplished by the addition of Ba and Sr. It was demonstrated that one can tailor material properties to fit specific application requirements through compositional modifications.