Texture- and Stress-Dependent Electromechanical Response in Ferroelectric PZT: Insights from a Micromechanical Model

Abstract: The electromechanical response of PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) is strongly influenced by crystallographic texture and residual stress, both of which affect domain switching behavior. While these effects are critical for optimizing sensors, actuators, and MEMS devices, their combined influence remains poorly understood. We present a computational micromechanical model that captures texture- and stress-dependent polarization switching in MPB PZT. The framework incorporates both tetragonal and rhombohedral domain switching, along with interphase transformations, enabling accurate simulation of nonlinear electromechanical behavior. The model reproduces key experimental trends, including enhanced piezoelectric response in (001)-textured ceramics, and degradation under high in-plane stress. The implementation, provided as open-source MATLAB code, offers an accessible platform for experimentalists and materials designers to explore and interpret electromechanical behavior. By linking microstructural orientation and stress state to macroscopic response, this work provides a practical tool for understanding and designing next-generation piezoelectric materials.