Acoustic Wave Probe Silicone Resin Nanoparticle Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional silicone resins used in acoustic wave probes face challenges in achieving high mechanical strength while maintaining low acoustic attenuation, which is essential for efficient ultrasonic wave transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A composition for acoustic wave probes is developed, comprising a polysiloxane mixture with polysiloxane having a vinyl group, polysiloxane with two or more Si-H groups, and inorganic compound particles with an average primary particle diameter less than 25 nm, which are surface-treated with a silane compound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inorganic filler or vinyl group-containing resin is added to improve mechanical strength, then hardness and tensile strength are improved, but acoustic attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the particle size parameter of inorganic filler to less than 25 nm (nanoscale), which fundamentally alters how the filler interacts with ultrasonic waves. This nanoscale dimension reduces acoustic scattering and absorption effects compared to conventional larger particles, thereby maintaining low acoustic attenuation while still providing mechanical reinforcement to the silicone rubber matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system combining silicone rubber with specifically sized inorganic filler particles (less than 25 nm). This composite approach allows synergistic effects where the nanoscale inorganic particles provide mechanical strength enhancement without the detrimental acoustic attenuation effects seen in conventional composites with larger filler particles.
2Strength
If inorganic filler is added to increase mechanical strength, then tensile strength and tear strength are improved, but the acoustic impedance matching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the particle size parameter to nanoscale (less than 25 nm), which minimizes the disruption to acoustic impedance properties. The extremely small particle dimensions allow the composite to maintain acoustic properties closer to pure silicone rubber, ensuring better impedance matching with biological tissues while still achieving the desired mechanical strength enhancement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition significantly improves the hardness and mechanical strength of silicone resins, including tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, and abrasion resistance, while maintaining low acoustic attenuation, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of acoustic wave probes and ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
inorganic compound particles which have an average primary particle diameter of less than 25 nm and are subjected to surface treatment using a silane compound
Implementation Method 2
polysiloxane having a vinyl group, polysiloxane having two or more Si-H groups in a molecular chain
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
To provide a composition for an acoustic wave probe which can significantly improve the hardness and the mechanical strength (tensile strength at break, tensile elongation at break, tear strength, and abrasion resistance) of a silicone resin while maintaining a low acoustic attenuation, a silicone resin for an acoustic wave probe and the acoustic wave probe using the composition for an acoustic wave probe, an acoustic wave measurement apparatus, and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. To provide an ultrasound probe in which cMUT is used as an ultrasonic diagnostic transducer, and the composition for an acoustic wave probe and the silicone resin for an acoustic wave probe which can improve the sensitivity of the photoacoustic wave measurement apparatus and the ultrasound endoscope. Provided are a composition for an acoustic wave probe containing a polysiloxane mixture containing polysiloxane having a vinyl group, polysiloxane having two or more Si-H groups in a molecular chain, and one or more inorganic compound particles, in which the average primary particle diameter of the inorganic compound particles is less than 25 nm and the inorganic compound particles are selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, barium oxide, tin oxide, and ytterbium oxide; a silicone resin for an acoustic wave probe; an acoustic wave probe; an acoustic wave measurement apparatus; an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus; an ultrasound probe; a photoacoustic wave measurement apparatus; and an ultrasound endoscope.