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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
We report the physical characterization and thermoelectric properties of (Pb0.95Sn0.05Te)0.92(PbS)0.08 containing excess Pb and Sb prepared using the matrix encapsulation technique. Samples of (Pb0.95Sn0.05Te)0.92(PbS)0.08 : Pb 0.5 - 4 at. % rapidly quenched from the melt show microscale Pb inclusions that increase the thermal conductivity while slightly increasing the power factor, compared to (Pb0.95Sn0.05Te)0.92(PbS)0.08. Samples of (Pb0.95Sn0.05Te)0.92(PbS)0.08 : Pb 0.5%, Sb 2% prepared using the same technique show microscale Sb and Pb inclusions that upon heating cause rapid PbS and Sb segregation from the PbTe matrix. This behavior significantly alters the microstructure and degrades the transport properties of the material.