Automated Digital Image Based Measurement of Boundary Fractal Dimension for Complex Nanoparticles

摘要

There is a growing realization that complex nano-particles produced by combustion reaction, precipitation, and spray technology using supercritical fluids, are fractally structured. The boundary fractal dimension is linked to the flow, packing and consolidation dynamics of nanopowders. It also contains information on the formation dynamics of the nanoparticles produced by various methods. Extraction of the fractal dimension information embodied in the nanoparticle's fractal structure is hampered by the lack of automated characterization algorithms for processing images of particles. This paper describes an efficient algorithm for analyzing digitized images of fractally structured nanoparticles and presents a computer program that automates the procedure using digital image processing techniques. The program functionality is demonstrated and discussed using digital images of typical pigment, ceramic and pharmaceutical powders.