Adam Myers
Rose-Hulman University
Mechanical Engineering

Studies in PZT Piezoelectrics

My summer research project involved the study of piezoelectric materials, namely the material lead zirconate titanate, or PZT. I used an area detection X-ray diffraction (XRD) machine to obtain many of my results. I studied many different aspects of the material, from surface roughness effects to index of refraction.

Project Objectives

  • Study effects of different polishing methods on crystal structure.
  • Pole sample and look at crystal structure through XRD.
  • Measure index of refraction of thin sample with a laser.
  • Polish samples until thin enough for transmission XRD.
  • Analyze XRD data and plot Multiples of a Random Distribution (MRD) data showing material poling.
  • Analyze XRD data and plot MRD data showing effects of different poling fields on total poling.

Experimental Approach

  • Used various polishing wheels in the polishing lab to prepare samples.
  • Produced various small apparatuses such as a poling clip, an offset holder for the XRD machine, and a sample holder to allow translation of two elements of PZT perpendicular to a laser beam.
  • Used the Area Diffraction XRD machine to look at crystal structures.

Research Findings

  • Found that most samples need to be finish polished with 0.05-micron alumina in order to produce the same texture as an annealed sample.
  • Poled texture of K550 PZT was clearly shown in XRD machine (See Figure 1 below).
  • Index of refraction measurements were inconclusive because samples scattered the laser light with no bright spots.
  • Sample polishing yielded a sample that was 20-25 percent thinner, but shattered due to epoxy expansion in acetone removal. Transmission XRD results were inconclusive because of possibility of X-ray reflection from micro-cracks.
  • MRD plots showed the effects of poling on the distribution of domains in the samples (See Figure 2 below).
    Final Research Presentation