Abstract
The mixture of half-Heusler ZrNiSn crystal and ZrNi amorphous particles was sintered by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) method. The sintered body was composed of ZrNiSn crystal and ZrNi amorphous phases. The absolute values of the Seebeck coefficient of the ZrNiSn-ZrNi composite were more decreased than those of the sintered ZrNiSn crystal, but there was almost no difference in the electrical resistivity. Thermal conductivity was also more decreased in the ZrNiSn-ZrNi composite, which was mainly attributed to the decrease in the lattice component of the thermal conductivity. The complex formation of crystal and amorphous phases was efficient for the reduction of the thermal conductivity of the thermoelectric materials. The dimensionless figure of merit was increased in about 10 % in the composite, but a considerable improvement was not produced by the complex formation.
