Antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric phase-switching lead lanthanum zirconite stannate titanate (PLZST) ceramics

Electric field induced antiferroelectric (AFE) to ferroelectric (FE) phase transformations are accompanied by large strain and significant hysteresis. The properties of these materials can be tailored to fit specific applications such as high strain actuators and charge capacitors. As an attempt to reduced hysteresis, Barium and Strontium A-site substitution of the phase transformation behavior of (Pb0.98-(delta )La0.02A(delta )) (ZrxSnyTiz)O3 (A equals Ba, Sr) ceramics have been investigated. The ceramic samples in this study produced 0.2% to 0.3% strain level. Barium proved to be a strong FE stabilizer with decreasing both switching field and hysteresis, while Strontium proved to be a strong AFE stabilizer. Some practical data, including temperature stability and current requirements, are also to be discussed.