A magnetoelectric (ME) composite with controlled nanostructures is synthesized using co-assembly of two inorganic precursors with a block copolymer. This solution processed material consists of hexagonally arranged ferromagnetic cobalt ferrite [CoFe 2 O 4 , CFO] nano-cylinders within a matrix of ferroelectric lead zirconium titanate [Pb 1.1 (Zr 0.53 Ti 0.47 )O 3 , PZT] when thin films were prepared by spin coating. The initial magnetic permeability of the self-assembled CFO/PZT nano-composite changes by a factor of five through the application of 2.5 V.

The objective of this study is to develop high transformation temperature shape memory alloys (SMAs) for actuation applications at elevated temperatures. We developed a process to consolidate NiTi micron powders doped with Hf using Material Modification Inc.’s (MMI) proprietary Plasma Pressure Compaction process (P 2 C). NiTi and NiTiHf samples were characterized to identify the material’s microstructure and composition using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dissipative Spectroscopy (EDS) for both as consolidated and heat treated materials. Chemical and porosity analyses were also conducted to track impurities and microstructure (grain size and porosity). Extensive thermo-mechanical testing of the NiTi and NiTiHf samples were conducted to determine phase transformation temperatures and mechanical properties (Young’s Modulus). An acoustic elastometer was used to obtain the phase transformation temperatures for both NiTi and NiTiHf samples. By doping the SMA powder with 10% Hf (atomic percent), we were able to realize an increase in the austenite finish temperature to over 160 C.