Thermal Depoling Effects on Anisotropy of Lead Zirconate Titanate Materials

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.