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Effect of Temperature Cycling on Ostwald Ripening
Thijs van Westen1, Robert D Groot2
1Institute AMOLF, Science Park 104, 1098XG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Crystal Growth & Design
|September 14, 2018
Summary
Temperature cycling enhances Ostwald ripening by including transient relaxation effects. This dissolution-ripening-regrowth-relaxation mechanism explains particle size changes in frozen solutions and foods.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Ostwald ripening (coarsening) describes particle size changes in solutions.
- Previous models inadequately explain temperature cycling effects on Ostwald ripening.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate temperature cycling's impact on Ostwald ripening rates.
- Clarify the role of transient effects in particle coarsening.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a simulation method with mass transfer as the limiting growth mechanism.
- Analyzed particle size distribution changes under temperature cycling.
Main Results:
- Each temperature cycle is followed by particle size distribution relaxation.
- This relaxation leads to a decrease in average particle size and constant particle number.
- Transient ripening at elevated temperatures is crucial for observed coarsening rates.
Conclusions:
- A dissolution-ripening-regrowth-relaxation mechanism governs temperature cycling effects on Ostwald ripening.
- This model accurately reproduces experimental observations in frozen solutions and foods.
- Understanding transient effects is key to predicting Ostwald ripening under cycling conditions.
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