"Sounding" out crystal nuclei - A mathematical-physical and experimental investigation

DOI: 10.1063/5.0139811

Authors: Megan J. Povey (The University of Leeds) , Rammile Ettelaie (The University of Leeds) , Ken Lewtas (Lewtas Science and Technologies, Ltd) , Andy Price (Lewtas Science and Technologies, Ltd) , Xiaojun Lai (The University of Leeds) , Fei Sheng (The University of Leeds)
Co-authored by industrial partner: Yes

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: The Journal Of Chemical Physics , VOL 158

State: Published (Approved)
Published: May 2023
Diamond Proposal Number(s): 20481 , 27656

Abstract: We outline techniques for the control and measurement of the nucleation of crystalline material. SAXS/WAXS XRD measurements are presented that demonstrate the impact of low power, continuous, non-cavitational ultrasound on the nucleation and crystallisation of a wax; n-eicosane dissolved in heptane/toluene solvent. A mathematical-physical approach based on rectification of heat and mass transport by such a low power oscillating pressure field is outlined and it is suggested that this approach be combined with dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) computational modelling to develop a predictive method capable of modelling the impact of low power oscillating pressure fields (acoustics and ultrasonics) on a wide range of nucleating systems. Combining ultrasound pitch and catch speed of sound measurements with low power harmonically oscillating pressure fields to monitor and control nucleation presents the prospect of entirely new industrially significant methods of process control in crystallisation. It also offers new insights into nucleation processes in general. However, for the acoustic control technique to be applied widely, further theoretical and modelling work will be necessary since at present, we are unable to predict the precise effect of low power ultrasound in any given situation.

Subject Areas: Food Science, Technique Development, Materials


Instruments: I22-Small angle scattering & Diffraction

Added On: 03/05/2023 19:30

Documents:
wepow045.pdf

Discipline Tags:

Technique Development - Materials Science Physical Chemistry Chemistry Materials Science Food Science

Technical Tags:

Scattering Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS)