Interfacial tension, crystal growth solution

Nielsen, A.E. and Sohnel, O., 1971. Interfacial tensions, electrolyte crystal aqueous solution, from nucleatioii data. Journal of Crystal Growth. 11, 233-242. 

Nielsen, A. E., and O. Sohnel (1971), "Interfacial Tension Electrolyte Crystal-Aqueous Solution, from Nucleation Data", J. Cryst. Growth 11,233-242. 

The problem of crystal growth from supercooled liquids has been formulated in terms of a similar model based on the interfacial tension of microcrystals in the solution. A number of experimental studies which have been made have given further support to the qualitative concepts of the model. The time lag in nucleation required for the distribution of nuclei to change from the equilibrium value at saturation to the stationary concentration at supersaturation has been discussed in some detail by Kantrowitz. ... 

The interfacial tension of a crystalline solid in contact with a solution of the dissolved solid is a quantity of considerable importance in crystal nucleation and growth processes. It is also sometimes referred to as the surface energy . This subject is dealt with in section 5.6. 

Larson, M.A., Garside, J. (1986). Solute clustering and interfacial tension. Journal of Crystal Growth, 76, 88-92. 

Impurities usually cause a reduction in the growth rates of crystalline materials due to blocking of kink sites, thereby leading to smaller crystals than required. This is a common problem, which is often related to contamination of the feed solution. In some other cases, however, impurities can enhance growth rates, thought to be due to a reduction in interfacial tension and hence increase in surface nucleation rates. 

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