摘要 |
<p>The composite, having anisotropic 3-3 connectivity, consists of a ceramic phase, made from a slurry comprising ceramic particles, water, binder and dispersant, that is directionally solidified by freeze drying to form interconnected lamellae where the connectivity of the lamellae in the z-direction is greater than the connectivity in the x- and y-directions, the connectivity of the lamellae in the x- and y-directions being equal and the lamellae comprising 5-80 vol.% of the composite and being 200 mu m or less in width and where the lamellae are aligned substantially parallel to one another; and an infiltrate phase formed in interconnected inter-lamellar regions which comprise 20-95 vol.% of the composite and are 500 mu m or less in width. The infiltrate phase is selected from a polymer, a glass having a low specific acoustic impedance or a cement having a low specific acoustic impedance, the value of the low specific acoustic impedance being 12 Mrayls, and the polymer consisting of a urethane, elastomer, silicone or composite thereof. Also claimed is the composite having anisotropic 3-3 connectivity as above suitable for use as an electromechanical device, in which the ceramic phase comprises a piezoelectric ceramic.</p> |