Piezocomposite transducer for a downhole measurement tool

An acoustic sensor, comprising:

• a piezo-composite transducer element including regions of piezoelectric material deployed in a matrix of a substantially non piezoelectric polymeric material, the regions extending through a thickness of the transducer element in at least one dimension;
• the polymeric material having a glass transition temperature of greater than about 200 degrees C.;
• the piezoelectric material having a Curie temperature greater than about 250 degrees C.;
• and
• the acoustic sensor being configured for use in a downhole measurement tool.

A method for fabricating a downhole measurement tool, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a substantially cylindrical tool body having an electronic control module, the tool body being couplable with a drill string;
• (b) providing at least one acoustic sensor including a piezo-composite transducer element with anterior and posterior faces, the piezo-composite transducer element including regions of piezoelectric material deployed in a matrix of substantially non piezoelectric polymeric material, the regions extending through a thickness of the transducer element in at least one dimension;
• the polymeric material having a glass transition temperature of greater than about 200 degrees C., the piezo-composite transducer element further including conductive electrodes disposed on each of said faces;
• (c) deploying the at least one acoustic sensor on the tool body in electrical communication with the electronic control module via said conductive electrodes, the at least one acoustic sensor operable to transmit and receive acoustic signals in a borehole.