Piezoelectric composite and method of forming same

A method of forming a piezoelectric composite, the method comprising steps of:

• dicing a ceramic to form a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic components, wherein the step of dicing forms grooves between each piezoelectric ceramic component while leaving each piezoelectric ceramic component monolithically joined to a back plate;
• filling the grooves with a reaction mixture comprising a photoacid generator and an epoxide monomer selected to provide a hydrophobic polymer component;
• initiating a polymerization reaction in the reaction mixture;
• and
• permitting the polymerization reaction to cure to form the hydrophobic polymer component within the grooves, thereby forming a piezoelectric composite.

An ultrasonic transducer comprising:

• a piezoelectric composite comprising a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic components and a hydrophobic polymer component, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric ceramic components and the hydrophobic polymer component are arranged to form a composite type selected from the group consisting of a 1-3 composite type, a 2-2 composite type and a 3-3 composite type;
• a printed circuit board providing an electrical connection between the plurality of piezoelectric ceramic components and a cable;
• a substrate contacting terminal ends of the plurality of piezoelectric ceramic components to provide an acoustic energy transmission window;
• and
• a case, joined to the substrate to encase the piezoelectric composite and the printed circuit board, wherein the cable provides an electrical connection outside of the case.