Abstractp -type Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te_3 solid solutions prepared by hot pressing and the extrusion of powders prepared by rapid melt crystallization methods such as melt spinning and melt crystallization in a liquid are investigated. The morphology of the powders, the sample cleavage surface, and their microstructure are investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. The mechanical properties of the samples are investigated by room-temperature compression tests. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity of the materials are measured in the temperature range of 100–600 K. The highest limiting compressive strength σ_B = 145 MPa at 300 K and maximal thermoelectric efficiency ( ZT )_max = 1.34 at 370 K are found for materials extruded from granules prepared by melt crystallization in water and ground in a ball mill.

The microstructure, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties of samples of the n -type Bi_2Te_3–Bi_2Se_3 solid-solution samples containing 6, 8, and 10 mol % Bi_2Se_3, doped with antimony iodide, cadmium chloride, and hexabromobenzene, are investigated. The samples are formed by hot pressing and the extrusion of granules prepared by melt crystallization in a liquid and ground in a mortar, cutting mill, and ball mill. Measurements are performed at room temperature and in the range of 100–600 K. The formation conditions and compositions of materials with an ultimate compressive strength of ~250 MPa and thermoelectric efficiency of ( ZT )_max = (0.9–1.0) in the temperature range of 320–430 K are found.