Abstract: This invention relates to a new class of piezoelectric composites with a radial design. More particularly, the radial design of these new ceramic/polymer composites show a higher sensitivity in the radial direction than conventional tube structured devices. Devices made utilizing this novel design will therefore show significantly enhanced performance in many applications.

Abstract: A process for making ceramic composites includes the steps of: a) forming a polymer composition into a three-dimensional mold; b) filling said three-dimensional mold with one or more ceramic containing compositions; c) heating said filled mold to dry and sinter the ceramic; d) removing at least a portion of said three-dimensional mold thereby forming voids; and e) filling the voids with a second composition which has a piezoelectric coefficient which is substantially different from the piezoelectric coefficient of said ceramic structure. Steps a through e yield a controlled, non-random piezoelectric ceramic composite having 2-3, 3-2 or 3--3 connectivity with respect to the sintered ceramic and the second composition throughout the composite.

Abstract: A process for forming novel ceramic composites is described. The disclosed process allows for novel composite designs, including composites with regions containing different materials. Moreover, the disclosed process allows for the manufacture of composites with volume fraction gradients of different types of material. Composites with fine-scale microstructures may be formed.