Revelation of intertwining organic and inorganic fractal structures in polymer coatings.
X-ray microtomography and serial block face scanning electron microscopy are used to reveal independent clusters of inorganic particles embedded within a polymer. These clusters are interpenetrating, of varying size, and have fractal dimensions that strongly influence transport and structure-property relations. This interpretation forms a baseline for designing hybrid materials for applications in self-healing, drug delivery, and membranes.
CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, Private Bag 33, Clayton, 3169, Australia.
A E
AE
Hughes
A
A
Trinchi
F F
FF
Chen
Y S
YS
Yang
I S
IS
Cole
S
S
Sellaiyan
J
J
Carr
P D
PD
Lee
G E
GE
Thompson
T Q
TQ
Xiao
D000465:Algorithms; D002840:Chromates; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry*; D017709:Fractals; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013324:Strontium; D013499:Surface Properties; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D002840:Chromates; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D011108:Polymers; C048629:strontium chromate; D013324:Strontium
cluster analysis; computed tomography; fractal dimension; self-healing; template; transport pathways