Publications
The relaxor properties of compositionally disordered perovskites: Ba- and Bi-substituted Pb(Zr1-xTix)O3
Dielectric spectroscopy, lattice structure, and thermal properties have revealed the relaxor dielectric response of Ba-substituted lead zirconate/titanate (PZT) having the composition (Pb0.71Ba0.29) (Zr0.71Ti0.29)O3 and containing 2 at. % Bi as an additive. The relaxor behavior is attributed to the compositional disorder introduced by the substitution of Ba2+ at the A site and Bi3+/5+ at the B site (and possibly A site) of the ABO3 PZT host lattice. Analysis of the results gives clear evidence for the nucleation of polar nanodomains at a temperature much higher than the peak (Tm) in the dielectric susceptibility. These nanodomains grow in size as their correlation length increases with decreasing temperature, and ultimately their dipolar fluctuations slow down below Tm leading to the formation of the relaxor state. The influences of hydrostatic pressure on the dielectric susceptibility and the dynamics of the relaxation of the polar nanodomains were investigated and can be understood in terms of the decrease in the size of the nanodomains with pressure. The influence of dc electrical bias on the susceptibility was also investigated. Physical models of the relaxor response of this material are discussed.