Bakaric, M; Miloro, P; Zeqiri, B; Cox, B T; Treeby, B E (2020) The Effect of Curing Temperature and Time on the Acoustic and Optical Properties of PVCP. IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, 67 (3). pp. 505-512. ISSN 0885-3010

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Abstract

Polyvinyl chloride plastisol (PVCP) has been increasingly
used as a phantom material for photoacoustic and
ultrasound imaging. As one of the most useful polymeric materials for industrial applications, its mechanical properties and behaviour are well-known. Although the acoustic and optical properties of several formulations have previously been investigated, it is still unknown how these are affected by varying the fabrication method. Here, an improved and straightforward fabrication method is presented and the effect of curing temperature and curing time on PVCP acoustic and optical properties, as well as their stability over time, is investigated. Speed of sound and attenuation were determined over a frequency range from 2 to 15 MHz, while the optical absorption spectra of samples were measured over a wavelength range from 500 to 2200 nm. Results indicate that the optimum properties are achieved at curing temperatures between 160 °C and 180 °C, while the required curing time decreases with increasing temperature. The properties of the fabricated phantoms were highly repeatable, meaning the phantoms are not sensitive to the manufacturing conditions provided the curing temperature and time are within the range of full polymerization (samples are optically clear) and below the limit of thermal degradation (indicated by the yellowish
appearance of the sample). The samples long term stability was assessed over 16 weeks and no significant change was observed in the measured acoustic and optical properties.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Acoustics > Ultrasound
Divisions:	Medical Physics
Identification number/DOI:	10.1109/TUFFC.2019.2947341
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 14:38
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/8751