Pretreat compositions

A method for forming parts with electrically conductive features, the method comprising:

• a) applying a layer of thermoplastic polymer powder particles in a powder bed;
• b) selectively applying an aqueous pretreat composition including a metal chloride salt on a portion of the layer of thermoplastic polymer powder particles;
• c) selectively applying a conductive fusing ink including transition metal particles and a dispersing agent onto the applied aqueous pretreat composition on the portion of the layer, wherein the dispersing agent binds to, and passivates surfaces of the transition metal particles;
• and
• d) exposing the layer to electromagnetic radiation to fuse the thermoplastic polymer powder particles in the portion of the layer and sinter the transition metal particles, thereby forming a conductive composite including interlocked matrices of fused thermoplastic polymer powder particles and sintered transition metal particles.