Contribution from ferroelastic domain switching detected using X-ray diffraction to R-Curves in lead zirconate titanate ceramics

In Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3 ceramics, which are characterized by different magnitudes of coercive tensile stress, the ferroelastic domain switching induced during crack growth was measured using, X-ray diffraction, and was compared with the R-curve behavior. The following correlation was established: material with smaller coercive stress has a larger amount of domain switching, and a higher toughness increment in the R-curve. The, half-width of the process zone was determined for one of the, four studied compositions from the spatial distribution of domain switching measured using X-ray diffraction from, synchrotron source. Its value, 60-80 mum, was in good agreement with the estimate from fracture mechanics.