Net-shape ceramic processing as a route to ultrafine scale 1-3 connectivity piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composite transducers

Author

Cochran, Sandy ; Abrar, A. ; Kirk, Katherine J. ; Dou Zhang ; Button, T.W. ; Bo Su ; Meggs, C.

Author_Institution

Microscale Sensors, Paisley Univ., UK

Volume

3

fYear

2004

fDate

23-27 Aug. 2004

Firstpage

1682

Abstract

We report on a new "net-shape" processing method for the fabrication of ultrafine scale 1-3 ceramic structures. We have used viscous polymer processing (VPP), combined with a modified "lost mould" method to obtain lead zirconium titanate (PZT) bristle-blocks with feature sizes of 12-100 μm and aspect ratios of the order of 3-10. Experimental, 1-3 piezo-composite transducer elements have been assembled and we report on their electrical impedance and pulse-echo behavior and demonstrate a close correlation with computer modeling. We conclude that the processing route we have developed has the potential to extend upwards the frequency range of piezo-composite material beyond existing limits.

Keywords

composite materials; electric impedance; lead compounds; manufacturing processes; piezoceramics; piezoelectric transducers; polymers; zirconium compounds; 12 to 100 micron; PZT; PZT bristle-blocks; PbZrO3TiO3; PbZrTiO₃; electrical impedance; lead zirconium titanate bristle-blocks; lost mould method; net-shape ceramic processing; piezo-composite transducer elements; piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composite transducers; piezoelectric transducers; pulse-echo behavior; ultrafine scale ceramic structures; ultrafine scale connectivity; viscous polymer processing; Assembly; Ceramics; Composite materials; Fabrication; Frequency; Machining; Piezoelectric materials; Piezoelectric transducers; Polymers; Powders;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Ultrasonics Symposium, 2004 IEEE

ISSN

1051-0117

Print_ISBN

0-7803-8412-1

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/ULTSYM.2004.1418147

Filename

1418147