Abstract: A method of manufacturing an object is disclosed. In some aspects, the method includes selectively heating an initial layer of a composition, including elements of a granular material coated with a metallic material. The method further includes selectively heating an additional layer of the composition, disposed in contact with the initial layer, the selective heating of each respective layer to the threshold temperature actuating an exothermic reaction between the elements of the granular material and the metallic material coating associated therewith to form a molten portion of the respective layer, with turbulence in the molten portion of the respective layer disrupting oxidation of the molten granular material and promoting formation of an intermetallic compound in the molten portion of the respective layer upon cooling thereof below the threshold temperature, and with the portions of the respective layers combining to form the object.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an object is disclosed. In some aspects, the method includes selectively heating an initial layer of a composition, including elements of a granular material coated with a metallic material. The method further includes selectively heating an additional layer of the composition, disposed in contact with the initial layer, the selective heating of each respective layer to the threshold temperature actuating an exothermic reaction between the elements of the granular material and the metallic material coating associated therewith to form a molten portion of the respective layer, with turbulence in the molten portion of the respective layer disrupting oxidation of the molten granular material and promoting formation of an intermetallic compound in the molten portion of the respective layer upon cooling thereof below the threshold temperature, and with the portions of the respective layers combining to form the object.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery cell assembly includes a negative electrode having a negative current collector contacting a negative electrode active material. The negative current collector is prepared by providing a piece of a negative current collector metal, thereafter oxidizing the piece of the negative current collector metal, and thereafter reducing the piece of the negative current collector metal. The negative electrode is assembled with a positive electrode with an intermediate separator. An electrolyte saturates the electrodes and the separator, and provides a lithium ion path between the negative electrode and the positive electrode.

Abstract: A solder composition and method of soldering using composite solders comprising a solder alloy and intermetallic filler particles. The intermetallic filler particles are lead-free, have high strength, wet and disperse well in solder joints, remain uniformly distributed and resist degradation on long-term aging. When added to commercial bulk or paste solders, the intermetallic particles reduce the lead content of solder joints by consuming volume in lead-tin solder, and improve the mechanical properties of the solder by inhibiting localized shear deformation and interfering with crack growth.