Acoustic properties of particle/polymer composites for ultrasonic transducer backing applications

The acoustic impedance and attenuation in composites made of particle fillers loaded in polymer matrices for transducer backing applications is investigated. The acoustic impedance of tungsten/vinyl composites was modeled, and an experimental matrix identifying variables that contribute to composite attenuation was established. The variable included the particle type, the particle size and volume fraction of a filler, the physical characteristics of the polymer matrix, and the processing route that determined the composite connectivity. Experimental results showed that with an increase in filler particle size or a decrease in volume fraction of filler, there is an increase in composite attenuation. Overall, the various types of filler, the polymer matrix, and the interface between the two contribute to attenuation in the composite, as confirmed by the acoustic properties and the microstructural analysis.