Characterization of domain configurations in LiTaO3/Al2O3 ceramic composites

Characterization of domain configurations in 15 vol% LiTaO3/Al2O3 ceramic composites hot-pressed sintered at 1300 degrees C was carried out using transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Mainly banded- and wedge-shaped 90 degrees domains, with few 180 degrees domains, were formed in the LiTaO3 grains within the composite. The formation of 90 degrees domains was attributed to the large stress caused by residual polarization. Many dark dots, distributed along the 90 degrees domain boundaries, were detected and it was confirmed that they were not a deposited second phase but a type of contrast induced by high strain. The 90 degrees domain boundaries presented an alpha-type fringe contrast and no delta-type fringes were observed, indicating that they were of the non-conventional type. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.