Large strain in low-temperature sintered PNN-PZT-based multilayer textured ceramics

In this work, highly textured 0.33Pb(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-xPbZrO₃-(0.67–x)PbTiO₃ ceramics were fabricated via low-temperature sintering without the use of sintering aids. Though composition optimization, the textured x = 0.27 ceramics demonstrate outstanding comprehensive properties (d₃₃ = 1050 pC/N, T_c = 207 ℃, d₃₃^* = 1097 pm/V, k_p = 0.73, k₃₃ = 0.83). To elucidate the origin of the enhanced electromechanical properties, the domain configuration and lattice distortion in the textured x = 0.27 ceramics were investigated using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that the crystallographic anisotropy, refined stripe domains, and atomic-scale lattice distortion heterogeneity induced by texturing collectively facilitate polarization rotation and domain wall motion. This synergistic effect leads to a flattened free-energy landscape, which enhances piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling properties without lowering the T_c. Furthermore, multilayer textured ceramics were successfully fabricated, and their strain characteristics were studied. A large strain of 0.331% was achieved under an electric field of 50 kV/cm, demonstrating its excellent potential for multilayer piezoelectric actuator applications.