Ultrasonic Transducer for the Hydrothermal Method

Direct ultrasound irradiation is advantageous to increase the efficiency of the hydrothermal method which can be used for the production of piezoelectric thin films and lead free piezoelectric ceramics. To apply ultrasound directly to the process transducer prototypes were developed regarding the boundary conditions of the hydrothermal method. LiNbO$_{3}$ and PIC 181 were proven as feasible materials for high temperature resistant transducers ($\geq 200^\circ C$). Resistance of the transducers horn against the corrosive mineralizer was achieved by using Hastelloy C-22. The efficiency of the ultrasound assisted hydrothermal method depends on the generated sound field. Impedance and sound field measurements have shown that the sound field depends on the filling level and the position and design of the transducer.