Domain switching behavior in lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics

The domain switching behaviors of lead zirconate titanate ceramics were monitored via direct, in-situ lattice observation using transmission electron microscopy. The lattice structures were monitored via video as a sample was heated from room temperature to 300 °C. The lattices vibrated in the [110] direction several times over a short period, e.g., 0.1 s. Moreover, lattice sliding occurred in the [100] direction for about 15 Å. Those lattice motions were detected at around 83–84 °C. Lattice orientations were analyzed using the domain switching model to substantiate whether these movements can be attributed to domain switching.