Thermal Properties of a Eutectic InSb + MnSb Composite

Abstract

We have studied the thermal conductivity κ(T) and thermal diffusivity a(T) of a eutectic InSb + MnSb composite in the range 80–700 K with the heat flux parallel and perpendicular to MnSb inclusions. The phonon thermal conductivity data have been analyzed in terms of the Holland model. The weaker temperature dependence of thermal conductivity in the range 250–450 K is due to resonance transfer of the energy of ionized impurity states. The observed anisotropy in κ(T) in the range 80–250 K is associated with the scattering of long-wavelength phonons by interfaces. The anomalies in κ(T) and a(T) observed in the phase transition region are due to phonon scattering by magnetic order parameter fluctuations.