Domain structure of Na1 − x LixNbO3 crystals

The domain structure of single-crystal and ceramic samples of Na_{1 ? x} Li_xNbO₃ solid solutions (at x ≤ 0.14) in the orthorhombic ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases at room temperature is investigated by optical and electron microscopies and X-ray diffraction. The characteristic feature of the domain structure is the formation of 90° complexes consisting of laminar domains with a specific orientation relative to the lattice of the initial cubic phase. Consideration is given to the specific features in packing of these complexes and typical configurations of domains in the crystals. Observations revealed that the domain structure can involve 90°, 60°, 120°, and 180° boundaries, as well as (hhl) boundaries of the S type whose orientation depends on the cell distortion and changes with a variation in _x. The indices of these boundaries are determined. The density of 180° boundaries in the ferroelectric phase is very low compared to that of non-90° boundaries.     

Influence of drug on the structure and segmental mobility of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) ultrafine fibers

Ultrafine fibers of biodegradable natural polyester such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) containing dipyridamole at various concentrations as a drug are prepared by the electrospinning method. It is shown by scanning electron microscopy that the absence of dipyridamole or its low concentrations (from 0 to 1%) provide the complex morphology of fibers composed of cylindrical regions 1–3 μm in diameter and thickened spindle-like ones 5–7 μm in average diameter. An increase in the concentration of dipyridamole in fibers leads to disappearance of the latter regions, with the morphology being cylindrical. The features of the crystalline and amorphous structures of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and its mixtures with dipyridamole are examined via DSC and EPR probe techniques. It is shown that the addition of dipyridamole to the poly(3- hydroxybutyrate) polymer matrix results in a sharp increase in the crystallinity and a slowdown of the molecular mobility in amorphous regions of ultrafine fibers. The heat treatment (annealing) of fibers leads to a sharp increase in the polymer crystallinity and a reduction of the segmental mobility in intercrystalline regions of the initial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) fibers and those containing 1% of dipyridamole. All results including the influence of the drug concentration on the shape of fibers and their dynamic characteristics agree well with the thermal and physical parameters and should be used in the design of therapeutic systems for targeted and sustained delivery of bioactive compounds.     

Properties of mechanically activated bismuth ferrite

Methods of mechanochemical treatment applied to eliminate the disadvantages of BiFeO₃ that impede its practical use are described. It is shown that the use of certain techniques for the mechanical activation of precursors allows us to enhance the structural and thermal stability of bismuth ferrite, to reduce its electric conductivity, and to improve its electrophysical properties.     

Structure,microstructure, and dielectric responses of (1–<Emphasis Type="Italic">х</Emphasis>)BiFeO<Subscript>3</Subscript>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis>BaTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> solid solutions

The structure, microstructure, and dielectric responses of (1–х)BiFeO₃–xBaTiO₃ (0.0 < x ≤ 0.5) solid solutions prepared as ceramics are studied. Patterns in their dielectric parameters and the formation of their crystal and grain structures are investigated in a wide range of temperatures and frequencies.     

Dielectric spectroscopy of PbZr1 ? xTixO3 solid solutions (0.495 ≤ x ≤ 0.51) in a temperature range of 100–300 K at frequencies from 1 × 10?2 to 2 × 107 Hz

The behavior of the relative permittivity ɛ/ɛ₀ of PbZr_{1 − x} Ti _x O₃ (PZT) solid solutions (0.495 ≤ x ≤ 0.51) in the temperature range of 100–300 K at frequencies from 1 × 10⁻² to 2 × 10⁷ Hz was investigated. Diffuse, strongly relaxing maxima at T = 230−260 K (x = 0.495−0.505) and 150–160 K (x = 0.510) were observed in the PZT studied. The relaxation processes are well described by the Vogel-Fulcher law, and the dielectric spectra are approximated by the Cole-Cole formula.     

Specific features of the thermal,magnetic, and dielectric properties of multiferroics BiFeO<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Bi<Subscript>0.95</Subscript>La<Subscript>0.05</Subscript>FeO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Thermophysical, magnetic, and dielectric properties of multiferroic BiFeO₃ and Bi_0.95La_0.05FeO₃ ceramic compounds were comprehensively studied. Anomalies of the permittivity near an antiferromagnetic phase transition related to the structural variations were detected. The temperature T _N was determined from the temperature dependences of the thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity, and differential susceptibility. It is shown that the transition point is shifted to higher temperatures as the rare-earth La ion substitutes for Bi. It is established that an insignificant substitution of lanthanum for bismuth enhances the magnetic properties of bismuth ferrite and the magnetodielectric effect.     

Phase states of porous sodium niobate ceramics

The effect of closed porosity p (from 1.0 to 13.6%) of sodium niobate ceramics on its phase state and structural characteristics has been investigated. It is shown that, with an increase in the porosity in the range 1.0 ≤ p ≤ 6.2%, the behavior of the structural parameters is determined by a gradual decrease in the content of the ferroelectric Q phase. At p ≥ 6.2%, their change is determined only by the porosity. The observed effects are interpreted within the model of deformed cation-anion bonds.     

The effect of space charge and crystallite size on the formation of properties of ferropiezoceramic materials

The effect is treated of the space charge field and of the crystallite size on the properties of ferroceramics of different compositions. The established qualitative correlation between the structure and electrophysical parameters, the crystallite size, and the space charge field may be useful in designing ferropiezoceramic materials for different applications and devices involving such materials.