Evolution of Crystal Shape

Abstract

We have developed a mathematical model to track facets appearing and disappearing during the evolution of crystal shape. The model also gives the crystal shape at steady state that is consistent with the predictions from the Wulff-Chernov approach (Chernov, A. A. Sov. Phys. Crystallogr. 1963, 7, 728). We show that under constant growth rate conditions, the steady state shape of a crystal is unique, stable, and independent of the seed crystal shape. The predicted shape of solution grown succinic acid is shown to be in excellent agreement with experimentally grown shapes. This model explains the experimentally observed uniqueness of the steady-state shape of crystals with respect to the random seed shapes.

A dynamic model for evolution of crystal shape

“…Experimental measurements of the shape evolution of succinic acid crystals grown from random seed shapes show that under constant growth conditions the steady-state shape is hexagonal, similar to Fig. 10(b), and is independent of the seed shape [24], which is consistent with the theoretical predictions.…”

The effect of CO2-loaded amine solvents on the corrosion of a carbon steel stripper

“…The influence of solvent choice and the presence of other solutes in the crystallising liquor are known to strongly impact crystal shape (i.e. habit), which has been extensively documented in pharmaceuticals 21,22 . While the habit of crystals can appear to be generally the same, the growth can display different facets outwardly.…”

Growth and characterization of KY(WO4)2 crystals

“…are the major factors contributing to the removal of reaction products from a growing crystal surface. When the growth is carried out under constant growth conditions, the steady state shape of a crystal is unique, stable and independent of the seed crystal shape [14]. The crystal shape depends upon the relative growth rates along various crystallographic directions and/or the interaction of solvent ions.…”

“…The single-crystal growth of KYW was carried out by TSSG technique, employing the charges prepared from 4N pure K 2 CO 3 , WO 3 [12][13][14][15] 1C and soaked for a day prior to seeding. After having determined the saturation temperature accurately, a uniform cooling rate in the range of 0.05-0.5 1C h À1 was invoked to promote crystallization in the solution of approximately 150 g of charge taken in a platinum crucible of 50 mm diameter  50 mm height.…”