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 °C was carried out using transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Mainly banded- and wedge-shaped 90° domains, with few 180° domains, were formed in the LiTaO3 grains within the composite. The formation of 90° domains was attributed to the large stress caused by residual polarization. Many dark dots, distributed along the 90° 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° domain boundaries presented an α-type fringe contrast and no δ-type fringes were observed, indicating that they were of the non-conventional type.