Evaluation of durability of thermoelectric properties for Zn/sub 4/Sb/sub 3/ compounds

Durability of the Zn/sub 4/Sb/sub 3/ compounds was evaluated in term of their thermoelectric properties by applying repeated heat cycles to the vacuum-casted and hot-pressed samples. The power factor of both samples decreased by applying 20 cycle heat load. The major reason of the deterioration was formation of the ZnCd compounds due to evaporating Zn from the Zn/sub 4/Sb/sub 3/ compounds. The degree of the deterioration of the thermoelectric performance and a solution to enhanced durability of the compounds are discussed.