The deformation mechanism in certain thermoelectric materials

The mechanical properties of polycrystalline specimens of PbTe and the solid solution Pb_0.8-Sn_0.2 Te and the effect thereon of donor and acceptor impurities and deformation rate are studied. The effect of the sign of the impurity on mechanical properties is established. Change in concentration of an electroactive impurity without change in its type does not affect mechanical properties. It was established that the modulus of elasticity lies within the limits 750–1100 kg/mm², while maximum relative deformation for n-type specimens was 4–7.5%, and for p-type specimens, 1.5%. Compressive strength varied from 5.5 to 9.5 kg/mm² for n-type specimens and about 4 kg/mm² for p-type specimens.Translated from Izvestiya VUZ. Fizika, No. 12, pp. 40–44, December, 1973.