Fractal Multiscale Modeling of the Structural, Thermal, Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Source abstract
Abstract
The present study proposes a fractal-inspired multiscale framework to interpret the structural, thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties of polylactic acid (PLA). Experimental investigations were performed using tensile testing, TG-DTA thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric spectroscopy. The structural organization was analyzed using XRD data, where a scaling tendency compatible with power-law behavior was identified over a limited q-range. The thermal degradation exhibited a sharp transition, while the mechanical and dielectric responses reflected the heterogenous behavior typical of semicrystalline polymers. Rather than claiming a fully validated fractal model, the present work introduces a conceptual multiscale interpretation, supported by experimental observations, and proposes a fractal integrity index (FII) as an exploratory descriptor integrating structural, thermal and mechanical information. The results suggest that fractal-based descriptors may provide a useful complementary framework for interpreting complex polymer behavior, although further validation across multiple materials and experimental conditions is required.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties · Polymer crystallization and properties · Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Concrete, Materials, Technology and Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Blvd. Prof. D. Mangeron, No. 1, 700050 Iași, Romania
Faculty of Physics, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Blvd. Carol I, No. 11, 700506 Iași, Romania
Department of Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Agritourism, Faculty of Engineering, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, 157, Calea Marasesti, 600115 Bacau, Romania
Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, 157, Calea Marasesti, 600115 Bacau, Romania
The Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54 Splaiul Independentei, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Blvd. Prof. D. Mangeron, No. 41, 700259 Iași, Romania
Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iași, Romania
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