Fractal geometry developed by Mandelbrot is finding many applications in the description of rugged fineparticles and fineparticle systems such as packed powder beds. In the earlier publications dealing with the fractal structure of fineparticle boundaries a great deal of the experimental work was carried out manually. This was time consuming and limited the amount of investigative work which could be undertaken in a given context. In this communication several algorithms for automating the evaluation of the fractal dimensions of rugged fineparticle boundaries by automated image analysis are explored. Comparative data generated by the various procedures are presented.

For many profiles the values of the boundary fractals deduced by different exploration techniques are identical but the presence of deep fissures of convoluted structure can perturb the information gathered by the exploration technique. Data for different boundaries generated by different exploration techniques are used to illustrate the physical significance of the deduced fractal dimensions as evaluated using the different techniques. Heuristic programs for teaching an automated instrument to distinguish between different regions of ruggedness around a profile and to prevent “fractal rabbits” from appearing in the data are outlined. It is shown how the logic for removing fractal rabbits from the experimental data will also generate data on the presence of sharp edges on the profile. The possible occurrence of pseudo‐texture fractal dimensions from projection occlusion is discussed.

A new computer‐aided image analysis procedure for characterizing the number and sharpness of potential cutting facets on the profiles of the image of an abrasive fineparticle is described. In the method, the digitized profile is explored by a running chord generating procedure which generates what is described as the facet signature of the profile. This signature can be processed at different threshold levels to recognize facets of the profile having different levels of sharpness as defined by the acute angle of the facet. Several different ways in which data from the procedure could be used to describe a population of polishing powder fineparticles are outlined. The potential use of the new descriptive characterization procedures for following the physical changes in the powder corresponding to the degeneration in performance of a polishing powder during use is outlined. The possible use of the new methodology to describe the health hazards of angular shaped dust fineparticles and flake type fillers (such as mica) in composite material technology is outlined.

A technique for measuring the fractal structure of the rugged boundaries exhibited by lunar dust and a cosmic dust fineparticle captured at the outer limits of earth's atmosphere are measured using a equipaced polygon construction measurement procedure. The measurement procedure is described and data illustrating the precision and accuracy of the method are presented. The technique can be automated using inexpensive equipment and is suitable for use in teaching laboratories. Comparative data is presented establishing that the equipaced polygon procedure generates data comparable to that generated by the structured walk exploration technique. It is suggested that the fractal structure of extra terrestrial fineparticles may be of interest not only to the cosmologist but to the mining engineer since lunar dust represents fractured material not subjected to attrition polishing. Models used to simulate the generation of soot in combustion processes are discussed and it is demonstrated that diffusion limited aggregation Monte Carlo routines generate an agglomerate that appears to have similar fractal structure to the cosmic dust fineparticle collected by Brownlee. The data presented also indicates that one should usc caution when relating the fractal dimension of a projected perimeter profile in two dimensions to the three dimensional structure of a rugged fineparticle.

New techniques for studying stochastic (random) clustering in paint films and composite materials are discussed. The interpretation of measured levels of clustering from the perspective of percolation theory of fractal systems is discussed. The possibility of increasing the optical efficiency of pigments by interfering with stochastic clustering by means of extender pigment and/or microencapsulation is discussed. The use of intertrack measurements on a section through a paint film to study pigment dispersion efficiency is explored by Monte Carlo Routines and illustrative measurements made on a section through a carbonblack dispersion. The design of an intelligent machine to monitor pigment dispersion in real films is discussed.