Growth rates prediction, crystals

It is emphasized that the delta L law does not apply when similar crystals are given preferential treatment based on size. It fails also when surface defects or dislocations significantly alter the growth rate of a crystal face. Nevertheless, it is a reasonably accurate generahzation for a surprising number of industrial cases. When it is, it is important because it simphfies the mathematical treatment in modeling real crystallizers and is useful in predicting crystal-size distribution in many types of industrial crystallization equipment. 

The data plotted in the figure clearly support the predicted positive dependence of crystal size on agitation rate. Precipitation in the crystal film both enhances mass transfer and depletes bulk solute concentration. Thus, in the clear film model plotted by broken lines, bulk crystal sizes are initially slightly smaller than those predicted by the crystal film model but quickly become much larger due to increased yield. Taken together, these data imply that while the initial mean crystal growth rate and mixing rate dependence of size are... 

One of the more important uses of OM is the study of crystallization growth rates. K. Cermak constructed an interference microscope with which measurements can be taken to 50° (Ref 31). This app allows for study of the decompn of the solution concentrated in close proximity to the growing crystal of material such as Amm nitrate or K chlorate. In connection with this technique, Stein and Powers (Ref 30) derived equations for growth rate data which allow for correct prediction of the effects of surface nucleation, surface truncation in thin films, and truncation by neighboring spherulites... 

Although specific calculations for i and g are not made until Sect. 3.5 onwards, the mere postulate of nucleation controlled growth predicts certain qualitative features of behaviour, which we now investigate further. First the effect of the concentration of the polymer in solution is addressed - apparently the theory above fails to predict the observed concentration dependence. Several modifications of the model allow agreement to be reached. There should also be some effect of the crystal size on the observed growth rates because of the factor L in Eq. (3.17). This size dependence is not seen and we discuss the validity of the explanations to account for this defect. Next we look at twin crystals and any implications that their behaviour contain for the applicability of nucleation theories. Finally we briefly discuss the role of fluctuations in the spreading process which, as mentioned above, are neglected by the present treatment. 

The growth rate of many crystals is often observed to depend upon temperature in a manner consistent with nucleation theories. If measurements are made on growth from solutions of different concentrations then, at equivalent thicknesses, the dependence of growth rate upon concentration may be determined. Equations (3.16) and (3.17) can be used to predict the concentration dependence of this nucleation approach. 

A different melting point, and hence supercooling, is predicted for the strained sector. This is the basis for a different interpretation of the (200) growth rates a regime //// transition occurs on (110) but not on (200). This is despite the fact that the raw data [113] show a similar change in slope when plotted with respect to the equilibrium dissolution temperature (Fig. 3.15). It is questionable whether it is correct to extrapolate the melting point depression equation for finite crystals which is due to lattice strain caused by folds, to infinite crystal size while keeping the strain factor constant. 

Table I. Prediction of Electrolyte Crystal Growth Rates... 

The use of tailor made additives holds great promise in the area of crystal growth and morphology control. The routine selection and use of these type of additives will require a fundamental understanding of the mechanism which the additives work on a molecular basis. At the same time, the effect of solvent molecules on the crystal growth process is another related and important problem. In both instances, the relationship between internal aystal structure, aystal growth rate, solvent and impurities are needed to predict the habit of a crystal and thus allow seleaion of the proper conditions and components required to obtain a desired habit... 

Even when the principles of interface reaction and diffusion are thought to be understood, the integrated results may still require major new work. For example, the growth rate of an individual crystal in an infinite melt can be predicted if parameters are known, but the growth rates of many crystals (and different minerals), i.e., the kinetics of crystallization of a magma, is not quantitatively understood. 

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