Effect of the structural changes on the mechanical properties of the sintered films

Abstract

Polycrystalline films of tin telluride were prepared by sintering technique. The structural investigation of the films with different thicknesses enables to determine lattice parameter, crystallite size and strain existing in the films. The XRD traces showed that strain was tensile in nature. The crystallite size increases with thickness while strain decreases. Higher the value of tensile strain, larger is the lattice constant. The optical energy gap shows a descending nature with increasing strain and so with the lattice constant. Such an attempt made to delve into interdependence of basic physical quantities helps to explore the properties of SnTe and utilize it as an alternative to heavy metal chalcogenides in various technological applications.