Ti-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) represent a material class with highly desired performance for the aerospace industry, but implementation has been hindered by poor processability. It is now being realised that MMCs can be formed in situ through the exploitation of rapid cooling rates of laser powder bed fusion, and targeting invariant reaction compositions to minimise the propensity for solidification cracking. We perform laser line scans and surface remelts of arc-melted Ti–0.38C, Ti–1.67B, Ti–8.5Si and Ti–32.5Fe wt-% eutectic compositions to assess potential material amenability to the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process at low cost as well as determining the nanostructure and hardness properties. The results indicate that MMCs are amenable to LPBF and may outperform conventional alloys.

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The use of molecular spacers between Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) has been shown to increase the ion-accessible surface area for use in supercapacitor materials. Maintaining porosity and electrical conductivity is important for maximizing capacitance, energy storage, and power. Two reported novel coordination complexes have shown exceptional Faradaic charge transfer and binding capabilities to prevent CNT aggregation. Dispersion stability measurements show less aggregation of HiPco Single Walled CNTs (SWCNTs) compared to other chirality and multilayered nanotubes. Cu2FcOH binds weakly to CNTs compared +2Zn2 and +2Ru2 due to Columbic electrostatic interactions, which is favorable because it does not collapse the electrical double layer as strongly as +2Zn2 or +2Ru2. Adsorption isotherms and a full characterization (1H NMR, ATR FT-IR, UV-Vis, CV) of these novel complexes are presented. Electrical characterization using CV, charge discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the supercapacitor performance of functionalized thin film electrodes are presented as a function of spacer properties and nanostructured carbon tube diameter. This study uses rigid, earth-abundant coordination complexes that bind to and intercalate between SWCNTs. These functionalized nanostructured carbons are then used to make electrodes for electrical double layer supercapacitors. A complete description of the synthesis, characterization, and processing of these materials is described.

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