Phase transformations and related properties in multifunctional ceramic materials (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O$_3$

The work is devoted to the search for functional properties in multifunctional ferroelectric material (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O$_3$. Phase transformations have been studied in ferroelectric ceramic samples based on Pb, La, Ti and Zr (PLZT) by the standard method of differential scanning calorimetry, thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and by the method of three-point bending at a constant load in the temperature range 40–240 $^\circ$C. No anomalies associated with the martensitic transformation were found. The weakly pronounced hysteresis according to the TMA data and the monotonic almost linear dependence of the deformation on the temperature at a constant load indicate, if not the complete absence of the shape memory effect (SME), then very soapy changes in the shape as a result of the phase transition (PT). Further research will be aimed at studying the effect of thermomechanical treatment on the structure of the material, identifying elastocaloric and electrocaloric effects, as well as searching for materials and treatments for detecting electrically controlled SME.