Modeling the Al2O3 particle-polymer composites for the packaging of the shock-wave pulsed transducer

A model has been developed for the prediction of the dielectric property and the acoustic impedance of particle/polymer composite used in the plastic packaging of the shock-wave pulsed transducer. Expressions are derived for the parameters of the composite in terms of the volume fraction of particle and the polymer. The model is illustrated by analyzing composites made from Al2O3 particle and the epoxy resin, with the anisotropy of the Al2O3 taken into account. Comparisons with the rod and particle of Al2O3 are discussed. The three different polymers, polyethylene, epoxy resin and PVDF are also discussed. The model gives some physical insight into the design of the composites used in the transducer and shows good correlation between calculated and measured ultrasonic velocities.