Papers by Author: Keith J. Bowman

Abstract: Our research investigates the correlations between domain texture and microstructural features, including crystallographic texture in bulk and thin film polycrystalline materials to understand the development of piezoelectric and other anisotropic properties in a number of rapidly evolving lead free piezoelectric materials. We investigate approaches to understanding polarization distributions by starting from polarization measurements. In addition, 2D and 3D microstructural simulations are carried out in all types of ferroelectrics to rationalize and then engineer their equilibrium and kinetic response. This paper discusses recent findings associated with bulk piezoelectricity, phase stability, and ferroelastic and ferroelectric domain motion for materials such as Ba(Ti_0.8Zr_0.2)O₃-x(Ba_0.7Ca_0.3)TiO₃ (BZT-BCT) and Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ (BNT). Conventional and synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction, electron and optical microscopy and piezoelectric characterization techniques are employed to assess texture, both as a function of poling and temperature. The coupling between microstructure and the inherent directional biases fundamental to piezoelectric and ferroelectric performance enable consideration of orientation and anisotropy in systems with unique constraints.

Abstract: Ferroelectric/ferroelastic structures exhibit systematic crystallographic distortions below certain phase transition temperatures. Domains, or regions of spatial continuity in such distortions, form in a self-compensating pattern when cooled in the absence of an applied field, forming equal volume fractions of all possible states by uniform selection of crystallographic variants. An applied field (poling) can alter the volume fraction of domains within the ferroelectric phase by switching of the non-preferred orientations, a form of ferroelectric domain texture. When ceramics possess a crystallographic texture prior to inducing domain texture, the two component textures combine multiplicatively to form the complete product texture. Using tape cast bismuth titanate (Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15) with an initial crystallographic texture, this paper establishes the quantitative approach for resolving both the component grain and domain textures and describing the complete product texture.

Abstract: The anisotropy that is inherent to piezoelectricity is directly tied to the symmetry of domains within the crystals of polycrystalline piezoelectrics. Alloy design for these oxide materials is often focused on influencing pinning of domain walls in polycrystals that have been subjected to high fields and elevated temperatures to introduce the ‘poled’ condition from which most piezoelectric devices operate. We have investigated a wide range of these oxides consisting of single phases or mixtures of phases that may be all or partially piezoelectric in character. Crystal symmetries investigated include tetragonal, orthorhombic, rhombohedral and monoclinic with some phase transitions evolving during high-temperature processing or during poling. Materials investigated include a range of bismuth titanates, lead titanates, lead zirconate titanates and sodium niobates. A variety of texture evaluation techniques, including area detector x-ray diffraction, synchrotron x-ray sources, and neutron sources have been utilized along with Rietveld diffraction modeling tools to enable a deeper understanding of domain textures, domain texture evolution and synergistic relations between crystallographic textures and domain textures. This paper documents an understanding of texture and anisotropy in these materials, and provides insight on approaches to optimize textures for high performance in these materials and demonstrates how these tools can be used to evaluate processing variations from production of these materials.

Abstract: Melt infiltration of preforms prepared by sequential centrifugal casting and by tape casting and lamination has been accomplished using a short-time infiltration process that significantly suppresses reaction product formation. For layered materials produced via infiltration of laminated ceramic tapes, of particular interest is the effect that a large change in microstructure has on infiltration, phase formation and mechanical properties.

Abstract: Determination of the domain textures in many lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectrics can be complicated by the presence of second phases, internal strains and small differences in lattice parameters for the commonly used 002 and 200:020 peaks. The domain texture is influenced by the applied polarization necessary for these materials to demonstrate piezoelectricity. In this paper we explore the use of 022:202 and 220 peaks for evaluating the domain textures and helping resolve the complexities of texture analysis in the presence of multiple phases. The two materials explored in this paper include a nominally single phase tetragonal PZT material and a mixed phase tetragonal-monoclinic lead magnesium niobate (PMN)-PZT alloy.