Abstract
The goal of the work presented in this thesis is to develop methods of preparation and characterization of piezoelectric materials for inclusion in acoustic sensors for applications in hostile environments. Measurements aspects in high temperatures and under radiation are of great interest to our partners of the CEA.In this context, the study and the realization of acoustic sensors operating at high temperature provide a wide range of possible application. This work includes research of optimal piezoelectric material, their technologies of implementation as well as the pairing mode of the transducer on a metallic or ceramic wall. In addition to the traditional techniques of solder, another technological way is envisaged through the use of screen printing. Specific test devices have been developed in order to determine the intrinsic characteristics to the materials, and the performances after their integration as sensitive elements of a measurement system. This screen printing as method of material transfer offers undeniable advantages in terms of use, a rapid prototyping and good reproducibility. Piezoelectric ink was developed from piezoelectric powder, glass sintering and organic vehicle ESL400. This ink has been made by screen printing. The realized technology stack consists of two electrodes of silver-Palladium and multilayered piezoelectric ink. As a first step, a deposit of stacking of Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) between two electrodes of silver palladium on alumina substrate allowed a lot of tests on the various optimizations potentialities. Layers have been characterized in a systematic way by measuring piezoelectric coefficient d33, relative permittivity and dielectric loss as a direct measurement. The coupling factor kt and frequency constant was determined by fit of the impedance curve from models. These models have been developed to indirectly determine different parameters from the direct measurement. Thick layers of PZT showed potential to be used up to 200 ° C.Finally, piezoelectric materials based on bismuth powders have been synthesized and incorporated in inks for screen printing deposits. Bismuth Titanate (BIT) niobium doped or undoped did not highlight significant macroscopic piezoelectric character because of the polarization difficulties. On the other hand, Sodium Bismuth Titanate (NBT) presents a great potential for future study. In fact in the form of thick layer it presents d33 of 9pC.N-1 and an impedance curve that does not reveal evolution even at temperatures in the range of 350 ° C.