NUCLEATION IN SUPER-SATURATED POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN ORTHO-PHOSPHATE SOLUTIONS

Rates of nucleation in supersaturated aqueous solutions of potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (KDP) as indicated by the induction period were measured. Effects of supersaturation, temperature and agitation of the solution on the nucleation rate are reported. Nucleation rate increases with increase in supersaturation, temperature and agitation. Results were analysed in accordance with classical nucleation theory. The interfacial energy for growth of KDP crystals in the temperature range 30 to 45°C shows a decrease with the increase in temperature ranging from 2.4 erg/cm2 at 30°C to 1.8 erg/cm2 at 45°C. © 1979.