Effect of particle size on the ferroelectric behaviour of tetragonal and rhombohedral Pb(Zr_xTi_1-x)O₃ceramics and powders

Abstract

The effect of particle size on the structure and ferroelectric behaviour of PZT powders and ceramics with bulk tetragonal and rhombohedral compositions is reported. To our knowledge, this is the first report of particle size effects for the rhombohedral PZT composition. It is pointed out that, below a certain critical size, the formation of ferroelectric domains is not energetically favourable. As a result, the ferroelectric transition may be suppressed due to depolarization and/or elastic energy contributions.