Solutions and solution properties

Almost all foods are or contain solutions, and solution properties thus are paramount. In this section we will briefly discuss some properties of simple solutions of nonelectrolytes. 

Virtually all industrial crystallization processes involve solutions. The development, design, and control of any of these processes involve knowledge of a number of the properties of the solution. This chapter will present and explain solutions and solution properties, and relate these properties to industrial crystallization operations. 

One of the most important results of theoretical investigations of crystal growth has been the quantification of the effect of solvents on crystal interface structure. In particular, a key parameter, called the a-factor, has been developed from fundamental theories that allows identification of likely growth mechanisms based only on solute and solution properties. 

From the rigorous equation (22) it can be seen that the reversible work involved in solute ion creation depends on the charge on the ion, y, and the electrostatic potential, Ey, created on the ion surface. It can be seen from Eq. (22) that the solution and solute properties of interest are implicitly contained in the electrostatic potential, Ey, which in turn depends on the electrostatic environment of the solute, Y y. 

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