Parameter that provides a mathematical description of the fractal structure of a polymer network, an aggregated particulate sol, or of the particles that comprise them.
Notes: - m ∝ r d in which m is the mass contained within a radius, r, measured from any site or bond within a fractal structure.
- For a Euclidean object of constant density, d = 3, but for a fractal object, d< 3, such that its density decreases as the object gets larger.
- For the surface area of a fractal object, s ∝ r d ' in which s is the surface area contained within a radius, r, measured from any site or bond and d' is termed the surface fractal dimension.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 1801. 'Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)' on page 1811 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779101801)