Acoustic emission transducer based on PZT nanofibers

A lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanofiber based acoustic emission (AE) transducer in a polymer matrix composite form is presented. The PZT nanofibers, with diameters varying from 60 nm to 85 nm, were electrospun and aligned across the interdigitated electrodes. The acoustic responses of the PZT nanofiber transducer were demonstrated by mounting the transducer on the surface of a steel table. The signal attenuation curves were measured to characterize the properties and demonstrate the anisotropic sensitivity of the PZT nanofiber transducer. The PZT nanofiber AE transducer will open up new applications for monitoring small scale structures.