Bismuth telluride filled silicone rubber composite was extruded into millimeter-sized wires using electrospinning. The composite wires were tested in view of the electrical resistance and Seebeck coefficient. The highest electrical resistance measured is 2.9*10 10 ohms. The composite material exhibited high Seebeck effect because silicone rubber exhibits low thermal conductivity as a result of increased phonon scatters. Moreover, compared with the bulk reference material, the thermoelectric property of bismuth telluride is notably enhanced. Due to the inherent flexibility of silicone rubber and thermoelectric property of bismuth telluride, it is possible for making a flexible thermoelectric material for alternative energy applications.

Poly aniline (PANi) based composites were made by electric force assisted nanocasting. The PANi matrix was mixed with thermo electric Bi-Te alloy nanoparticles. The uniform dispersion o f the nanoparticles in the polymer was achieved via electric field assisted casting. The nanoparticles can enhance the thermoelec tricity, specifically increase the Seebeck coefficient. Structure analysis and Seebeck effect experiments were performed. The microstructure of the composite materials was studied by the use o f electron microscopy. The preliminary results show that the nanocomposites are n-type with an average Seebeck value o f 30pVIK. The electrical resistance o f the composites is about 35 MQ.

Lead telluride filled silicone composite was processed into wires under high-voltage electric field using an electrospinning facility. It has been found that the electric field helped to mix the PbTe powder with the silicone rubber matrix in liquid form and the final composite product is aligned into millimeter sized wires. The length of the manufactured wire was about 50 mm in length and 1 mm in diameter. Electrical resistance and Seebeck coefficient of the lead telluride filled silicon matrix composite wires were tested. The electrical property of the thermoelectric lead telluride/silicone composite wire follows the Ohm's laws. Its resistivity, at the order of 10 6 ohm*m, is determined by the intrinsic electron conductive behavior. The material exhibits a relatively high Seebeck coefficient. The figure of merit of the composite wire is estimated as 2.8×10 -6. Further improvement on the energy conversion efficiency is needed for the material to be used for alternative energy harvesting.

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