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.