Lead-free Ice-templated Porous Piezoelectrics for SONAR Applications

The performance of SOund NAvigation and Ranging (SONAR) is highly dependent on the properties of piezo-ceramic transducers. This paper presents a unique lamellar porous architecture for acoustic transducers, investigated by both experimental and simulation methods. Based on an ice-templating fabrication process, the resulting porous materials (BCZT) exhibit high hydrostatic figures of merits and improved acoustic impedance matching with the water. Simulation studies are conducted using a capacitor connectivity model to predict material properties, which are compared with experimental data obtained via a Berlincourt meter that operates under hydrostatic conditions (dh-meter). High hydrostatic figures of merit are achieved using porous ferroelectric ceramic structures, projecting the performances for future SONAR applications.