IUPITER - Innovative Eco-frIendly with tUned PorosITy PiEzoceramics foR use in non-invasive medical imaging technique

IUPITER - Innovative Eco-frIendly with tUned PorosITy PiEzoceramics foR use in non-invasive medical imaging technique

Cup: J53D23014640001

Codice MUR: P2022YNKTN

Financial Support: 231.802,00 € (122.772 € UNISS unit)

Decreto Direttoriale MUR n. 1409 del14/09/2022 - Bando PRIN 2022 PNRR - Missione 4 “Istruzione e Ricerca” del Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza - componente C2 – investimento 1.1, Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN

Ultrasound imaging system continues to receive increasing amounts of industrial and academic interest since it provides a route for  the realization of non-invasive medical imaging technique. One of the core components of the ultrasound system is represented by  the probe where is located the transducer based on piezoceramic material (Figure 1).

Lead-free piezoceramics, the focus of this proposal, are  of interest since under the correct preparation they possess promising electromechanical properties, also comparable with the  commercially used but toxic PZT (lead zirconium titanate). To improve the sensibility of the ultrasound transducer, which have to  interact with body tissues, is clear that the improvement and optimization of the electromechanical and microstructure properties  and relevant hydrostatic figure of merits, are imperative for expanding the field of applications. In this proposal new classes of BCZT  (Barium Calcium Zirconium Titanate) solid solutions with tailored porosity will be explored, since they have the potential to exhibit  high performance hydrostatic figure of merits and mechanical properties while maintaining high piezoelectric constants. To date, data on porous piezoceramics are limited on system characterized by macroporosity which affected the electromechanical properties of the processed system. Combining experimental and theoretical approaches, IUPITER will focus on the development of interconnected 3-3 mesoporous eco-sustainable piezoceramics with adjustable piezoelectric properties to be used for ultrasound  transducer in medical imaging technique (Figure 2). In addition, the experimental data acquired by means of new in operando measurements will provide unprecedented insights on the intimate microstructure-properties relation of piezoceramics based on BCZT. Thanks to its  multidisciplinary approach, high scientific level and an effective communication strategy, IUPITER aims to be a step-change in  competitive eco-friendly piezoceramic-based systems of the Italian and European economy