Examination of microstructural liquid phase behavior during heat treatments of doped-PbTe thermoelectric materials

Sean Langan, Dunbar P. Birnie

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

Abstract

Thermoelectric materials offer a potentially valuable source of energy by converting a temperature gradient to electricity. Recent progress in alloying, doping, and nanostructuring these materials has increased their figure of merit, bringing this technology closer to widespread use. However, the costs associated with processing and questions about fatigue reliability during long-term use could slow the development process. Liquid phase microstructure shapes are critical for sintering; further understanding of these shapes could potentially be used to improve mechanical response and lower overall processing costs. Here we review our progress with respect to the microstructure development of the material depending on heat treatment and composition.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterials Science and Technology Conference and Exhibition 2013, MS and T 2013
Pages2616-2622
Number of pages7
Publication statusPublished - Feb 11 2014
EventMaterials Science and Technology Conference and Exhibition 2013, MS and T 2013 - Montreal, QC, Canada
Duration: Oct 27 2013 → Oct 31 2013

Publication series

NameMaterials Science and Technology Conference and Exhibition 2013, MS and T 2013
Volume4

Other

OtherMaterials Science and Technology Conference and Exhibition 2013, MS and T 2013
CountryCanada
CityMontreal, QC
Period10/27/13 → 10/31/13

Keywords

  • Lead telluride
  • Liquid phase sintering
  • Thermoelectrics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanics of Materials

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    • Cite this

    Langan, S., & Birnie, D. P. (2014). Examination of microstructural liquid phase behavior during heat treatments of doped-PbTe thermoelectric materials. In Materials Science and Technology Conference and Exhibition 2013, MS and T 2013 (pp. 2616-2622). (Materials Science and Technology Conference and Exhibition 2013, MS and T 2013; Vol. 4).