Rapid production of Iron Disilicide thermoelectric material by Hot Press Sintering Route

In present research work, a method has been established through powder metallurgical route to produce β-FeSi2 thermoelectric material without giving long time mechanical alloying treatment to the elemental powders and long duration heat treatment cycle. The elemental powders of iron (98.9% purity, 200 mesh) and silicon (98.5% purity, 400 mesh) have been mechanically alloyed for 6 h using high-energy Attritor ball-mill and was subjected to Hot Press Sintering (HPS). Effect of HPS parameters on density of compacts was studied. The compacts with higher densities (82-92% relative density) were later on subjected to the thermal cycling treatment. The density as well as the amount of β-FeSi2 phase formation got enhanced due to thermal cycling treatment.