Fractal geometry characterization of fracture profiles of polymeric materials

The concept of fractals was used in the analysis of the fracture surfaces of two different polymeric materials. Polymer networks obtained from three popular dental dimethacrylate monomers: Bis-GMA, TEGDMA and UDMA as well as two copolymers of these monomers were analysed. Dense polymer membranes with dispersed magnetic powder (magnetic membranes) for air separation were also investigated. In both cases, profiles of fractures were described by a modified fractal dimension. It is based on scaling the length of a profile with the size of a measuring step. The modified fractal dimension is considered a diagnostic tool for structure-morphology analysis of fracture path and roughness parameter. A quantitative description of fracture surface is an important link in the investigation of the properties of materials and mechanisms of their decohesion.