Crystal growth aggregation

Apart from nucleation and crystal growth, aggregation is an important process. Aggregation leads to fewer and larger, but yet porous particles. 

In summary, dispersants are effective for particle dispersion and crystal growth inhibition, but do not normally have surface-active properties such as oil emulsification. Chelants and antiprecipitants frequently inhibit crystal growth better than dispersants, but are ineffective for particle dispersion. Flocculants are effective for aggregating particles, the opposite function of a dispersant. 

Crystallization kinetics erystal nueleation, growth, aggregation and disruption kineties (Chapters 5 and 6). 

S. C. Ke, L. J. DeLucas, J. G. Harrison. Computer simulation of protein crystal growth using aggregates as the growth unit. J Phy D 57 1064, 1998. 

For instance in azo pigment manufacture, the crude product is given some form of surface treatment, such as with rosin, to control crystal growth, control aggregation and to aid in dispersion. 

Banfield J.F., Welch S.A., Zhang H., Ebert T.T., and Penn R.L. (2000) Aggregation-based crystal growth and microstructure development in natural iron oxyhydroxie biomineralization products. Science 289, 751-754. 

Ice Crystal Growth Freeze Concentration Increased Ionic Strength Protein Aggregation ... 

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