P3P-9 1-3 Piezocomposite Autoclavable Transducers for Medical and Industrial Applications

Both medical and industrial fields require ultrasound transducers able to withstand high temperature (>100degC) and harsh environment (high pressure, chemical resistance). Such probes can be used as sterilizable equipment by autoclave for the medical applications and can perform in-situ characterization of materials and in-service inspection in non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. This article will focus on the development of specific 1-3 piezocomposite configurations to address these applications in the 5-8 MHz frequency range (single element and array transducers). Adequate piezocomposite configurations are integrated into complete transducer. The electro-acoustical performances will be reported after more from 20 to 85 sterilization cycles. For NDT applications, the transducers will be characterized at high temperatures up to 110degC