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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Chemical Synthesis of Porous Barium Titanate Thin Film and Thermal Stabilization of Ferroelectric Phase by Porosity-Induced Strain
Published on: March 27, 2018
Monte Carlo simulations for describing the ferroelectric-relaxor crossover in BaTiO₃-based solid solutions
Leontin Padurariu1, Cristian Enachescu, Liliana Mitoseriu
1Department of Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Bv. Carol I, 700506 Iasi, Romania.
Summary
Adding M(4+) to BaTiO(3) transforms ferroelectric properties into relaxor behavior. This substitution reduces polarization and critical temperature, altering phase transitions and domain patterns, impacting material stability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- BaM(x)Ti(1-x)O(3) solid solutions exhibit tunable ferroelectric and relaxor properties.
- Understanding the impact of M(4+) (Zr, Sn, Hf) substitution is crucial for advanced dielectric materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of M(4+) substitution on the ferroelectric to relaxor transition in BaM(x)Ti(1-x)O(3).
- To model the changes in polarization, phase transition, and domain dynamics with increasing M(4+) concentration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 2D Ising-like network model and Monte Carlo simulations.
- Analyzed polarization-temperature (P-T) and polarization-electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops.
- Investigated spatial and temporal evolution of polar clusters using correlation length and time.
Main Results:
- Increased M(4+) concentration continuously reduced remanent polarization and the ferroelectric-paraelectric transition temperature.
- Observed a shift from first-order to second-order phase transitions, characteristic of relaxors.
- Relaxor compositions showed labyrinthine domain patterns during polarization reversal, unlike the large domains in ferroelectrics.
- Correlation time increased near the Curie temperature, indicating enhanced stability of polar nanoregions.
Conclusions:
- M(4+) substitution induces a ferroelectric-relaxor crossover by increasing disorder and modifying polar cluster dynamics.
- The model accurately describes the transition, domain evolution, and enhanced stability of polar nanoregions in relaxors.
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