Papers by Author: Karel Saksl

Abstract: Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are vital, reliable energy sources for both extreme environments such as deep space exploration and off-grid terrestrial applications, as well as emerging fields like wearable energy harvesters and biocompatible medical sensors. This study focuses on tin selenide (SnSe) combined with ductile silver sulfide (Ag₂S) to leverage their complementary properties: SnSe’s promising thermoelectric performance and mechanical robustness for homojunction TEGs, and Ag₂S’s exceptional ductility and thermal sensitivity ideal for flexible, biocompatible devices. Materials were synthesized using scalable powder metallurgy and spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques, ensuring reproducibility and microstructural control tailored for these diverse applications. Our Bi-doped polycrystalline SnSe exhibits a unique polarity switching phenomenon and anisotropic behavior influenced by dopants (Bi, Ag, In), enabling optimized thermoelectric and mechanical properties that reduce interfacial stresses and enhance durability in harsh conditions. Meanwhile, the Ag₂S materials combine thermoelectric efficiency with fast thermal response and flexibility, suited for continuous physiological monitoring in wearable systems. The hybrid integration of SnSe homojunctions with flexible Ag₂S devices opens new possibilities for durable, efficient thermoelectric energy harvesting across wide temperature gradients in aerospace and biomedical fields.

Abstract: Series of high entropy alloys designed on Hume-Rothery criterion was prepared and the probability of the empirical approach to hydrogen storage materials preparation was investigated. Calculated HEA’s with equimolar compositions were selected from the list of alloys with limited VEC (valence electron concentration), ΔS and ΔH. The phase composition of prepared materials was compared with the prediction model and material characteristics such as chemical composition, and phase composition were studied. In this article material characterization of predicted high-entropy alloys with various prediction parameters values will be presented in terms of empirical prediction methods for solid-state hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: This work is focused on a development and research of a new lead-free Sn-Mg solder, alloy compatible with the human body. Tin and magnesium are biocompatible elements which do not cause an inflammation or allergic reactions with living tissues. We have prepared the Sn₉₇Mg₃ solder (wt. %) by a rapid solidification of its melt on a copper wheel (melt-spinning technique). This solder may find applications in electronic devices for intracorporeal utilisation. The microstructure of the prepared solder exhibits a heterogeneous distribution of the SnMg₂ intermetallic particles within the β-Sn matrix. Structure of the solder was studied by an in-situ high energy X-ray diffraction experiment (energy of an X-ray photon: 60 keV) where 2D XRD patterns were collected from the sample in the temperature range from 298 K to 566 K. The experiment was performed at a high brilliance 3^rd generation synchrotron source of radiation (PETRA III storage ring, DESY, Hamburg, Germany) at the P02 undulator beamline. From the measured X-ray diffraction data by applying the Rietveld refinement technique we have obtained thermal volume expansion data, mean positions of atoms as well as isotropic atomic displacement parameters of the constituent SnMg₂ and the β-Sn crystalline phases. Thermal behaviour was studied by differential scanning calorimetry at heating rates of 5, 15, 30 and 60 K.min^-1 and compared with the measured X-ray data. Our main goal lies in a preparation of a lead-free solder with fine grain structure made exclusively of biocompatible elements. We demonstrated that the rapid melt solidification technique leads to in an improvement and better thermal stability of this alloy.

Abstract: This paper is focused to structure characterization of two differently electrodeposited Ni-Co alloys on the copper surface. The chemical composition of the layers was determined by the EDX analysis in the scanning electron microscope. Phase analysis was realized by diffraction in the transmission mode using synchrotron radiation. Diffraction patterns also show the preferred orientation in the coating with saccharine addition.

Abstract: Surface coatings protection is one of the most important processes ensuring efficient and economic use of basic materials, mostly of lower-quality. At interface of clad and basic material intermetallic phases are formed, representing quite different matrix with dissimilar properties unlike the welded materials. One type of surface coating is explosive bonding which belongs to group of pressure welding. The work is focused on some mechanical properties, micro-and nanohardness controlled by AFM and interface shape line, in homogeneities in vicinity of the wave joint both in basic material and in vicinity of the Ti and Cr/Ni stainless steel matrix weld line. Investigated weld was both in as-received state and after heat treatment carried out at 600°C/90 minutes/air. Phases has been identified X-ray diffraction performed BW-5 beamline applying synchrotron radiation, and Tiα, Fe-fcc and Fe-bcc were detected at interface area, whereas intermetallic phases were not revealed.

Abstract: In this paper we report on fabrication and characterization of a novel glass coated Ni₂MnGa glass coated microwires with metallic nucleus diameter of 44 μm prepared the modified Taylor-Ulitovsky method. First magnetic and structural characterization have been performed.

Abstract: Nickel-base superalloys like Alloy 625 are widely used in power generation applications due to their unique properties especially at elevated temperatures. During the related component manufacturing for gas turbines up to 50% of the material has to be removed by metal cutting operations like milling, turning or drilling. As a result of high strength and toughness the machinability of Alloy 625 is generally poor and only low cutting speeds can be used. High-speed cutting of Alloy 625 on the other hand gets more important in industry to reduce manufacturing times and thus production costs. The cutting speed represents one of the most important factors that have influences on the tool life. The aim of this study is the analyses of wear mechanisms occurring during machining of Alloy 625. Orthogonal cutting experiments have been performed and different process parameters have been varied in a wide range. New and worn tools have been investigated by stereo microscopy, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray analyses were used for the investigation of chemical compositions of the tool's surface as well as the nature of reaction products formed during the cutting process. Wear mechanisms observed in the machining experiments included abrasion, fracture and tribochemical effects. Specific wear features appeared depending on the mechanical and thermal conditions generated in the wear zones.

Abstract: Nickel-base superalloys like Alloy 625 are widely used in power generation applications and in the oil and gas industry due to their unique properties especially at elevated temperatures. The chip formation process of Alloy 625 is not yet well understood. Therefore, the cutting process of this alloy has been studied in detail by means of orthogonal cutting experiments at conventional cutting speeds and in the high-speed cutting regime. Alloy 625 shows a cutting parameter dependent change in the chip formation process from continuous to segmented chips. Silver has been added to Alloy 625 to improve the machinability. During machining of these modified alloys short breaking chips develop so that cutting processes are eased and can be automated.

Abstract: The chip formation process of four different titanium alloys has been studied in several cutting experiments. Alloys containing more than 50% of a-phase at room temperature and aged metastable b-alloys form segmented chips independent of the cutting conditions. Solution treated metastable b-alloys show a cutting parameter dependent change from continuous to segmented chip formation. Lanthanum has been added to all four alloys. The microstructure of these alloys consists of a titanium matrix and micrometer-size particles. The presence of grain boundary particles leads to enhanced grain stability at elevated temperatures. In addition, short chips are observed during metal cutting only in case pure metallic rare-earth metal particles are present.

Abstract: An alloy containing Al – 3wt.% Cr – 3wt.% Fe – 0.8wt. % Ce, was prepared by melt spinning. Structure of obtained ribbons was observed by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It was found out that the structure is very fine. Microhardness of cross sectioned ribbons was also measured. Defects in structure were determined by positron annihilation spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the alloy was observed by comparing rapidly solidified ribbons and ribbons annealed at 400°C and at 500°C for 100 h