Lead‐free versus PZT: Acoustic characterization of ultrasonic immersion transducers fabricated with lead‐free NBT‐BT piezoceramic

An evaluation of the performance a recently developed formulation (lead-free) Sodium-Bismuth titanate – Barium Titanate (NBT-BT) piezoceramic is presented through construction and testing several immersion transducers based around new material “Pz12” from CTS Ferroperm (Kvistgaard, Denmark). Results are intended to yield insight into applicability this lead-free for use within industrial, NDT, medical or underwater sectors reporting experimentally realised characteristics. tests reported including: pulse-echo amplitude, electrical insertion loss, transducer efficiency, power output transmitting voltage response (TVR). Benchmarking provided against comparable lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) using an industry standard Navy Type 1 (Pz26, Ferroperm). Performance Pz12 was found exceed expectations, although lower than that Pz26 transducers. Pulse-echo amplitudes indicated −4.3 dB relative amplitude between variants with loss both showing average −3.1 Pz26. Electroacoustic conversion efficiencies up 52% compared 62% maximum efficiency variant. Temperature stability also investigated in 10–70 ˚C range.