Thermal Conductivity Reduction in Fullerene-Enriched p-Type Bismuth Telluride-Based Composites (Preprint)

Abstract

We present a systematic study of the effects of fullerene nano-inclusions upon a p-type bismuth-antimony-telluride matrix, where the ultimate goal is maximizing the figure of merit by reducing the thermal conductivity. Nanocomposites consisting of a bismuth telluride matrix with fullerene inclusions have been prepared both by mechanical mixing and ball milling, with the final consolidation in each case achieved by uniaxial hot pressing. A series of samples was produced with fullerene concentrations ranging from fractional levels to several molar percent, and the effects of the fullerene additions upon the resulting microstructure have been considered. Thermal and electrical transport properties have been measured from 10 K to 300 K, and the data are discussed in light of the underlying physical mechanisms.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA501804

Entities

People

  • J. E. Spowart
  • N. Gothard
  • Terry M. Tritt

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Bismuth Tellurides
  • Charge Carriers
  • Composite Materials
  • Conductivity
  • Electrical Conductivity
  • Figure Of Merit
  • Fullerenes
  • Hot Pressing
  • Low Temperature
  • Materials
  • Nanocomposites
  • Physical Properties
  • Scattering
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Transport Properties

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