Piezoelectric activity and phase transitions in (PMN)0.69(PT)0.31 single crystal

Piezoelectric and dielectric investigations have been performed on a (PMN)_0.69(PT)_0.31 single crystal. Low frequency (100?Hz) dielectric permittivity measurements revealed distinct anomaly at 129°C (T _εmax) corresponding to the structural transformation from the tetragonal to cubic phase. Two other anomalies have been detected at 90 and 96°C. After preliminary polarization in the d.c. electric field, switched on above T _εmax and switched off inside the tetragonal phase, the piezoelectric activity has been observed in function of temperature. Values of the piezoelectric resonance frequencies changed markedly at 96°C (on cooling) and 124°C (on heating) showing clear softening of the elastic properties near these temperatures. Values of the piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling coefficients obtained were respectively of the order of 800?pCN^?1 (d ₃₁) and 0.35?(k ₃₁). Piezoelectric activity was detected tens of degrees above the temperature T _εmax and disappeared at temperature at which the dispersion of the dielectric permittivity due to the presence of polar nanoregions is negligible. It was found that strong softening of the elastic properties accompanies phase transitions to the tetragonal and monoclinic phase.