Deviations from the Summerfield scaling in the piezoelectric PbZr0.57Ti0.43O3

TL;DR

This study investigates deviations from Summerfield scaling in the conductivity of PZT, a ferroelectric perovskite, and demonstrates that with corrections, the scaling applies, suggesting crystalline systems can follow these laws.

Contribution

It extends previous work on Summerfield scaling deviations to PZT, showing corrections with the Random Barrier Model can restore the scaling in crystalline ferroelectric materials.

Findings

Deviations occur at temperatures above TC.

Applying the Random Barrier Model with alpha=3.2 corrects the scaling.

Crystalline systems can follow Summerfield scaling laws.

Abstract

Extending our earlier observations of the deviations from Summerfield scaling in a crystalline ferroelectric system of SBCT, we have studied the scaling of conductivity in another ferro/piezoelectric perovskite crystalline oxide, PZT. The deviations from Summerfield scaling are found at T greater than TC. Correction to the Summerfield scaling is achieved by the application of the Random Barrier Model and master cures are constructed with a value of the scaling function alpha 3.2. As in the case of SBCT, deviations still occur at T greater TC. The master curves are constructed from the conductivity data sigma prime fitted to a modified Jonscher law in the frequency range 10 to 1e5 Hz over the temperature region 30 to 480 degrees C. The positive values of alpha indicate coulomb exchange between the interacting particles. This work provides an additional example which allows us to believe that crystalline systems as well may follow the scaling laws, not only amorphous glasses, as was previously believed.