Effect of foreign particles: A comprehensive understanding of 3D heterogeneous nucleation

Abstract

A general kinetic model to describe both heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation is put forward. Ranging from low to high supersaturations, heterogeneous nucleation plays a more relevant and comprehensive role in nucleation than expected, depending on the size and "contact angle" of foreign particles. It follows that genuine homogeneous nucleation may only be possible at very high supersaturations, and can become easier when convection is eliminated. The results have been verified by the nucleation experiments of N-lauroyl-l-glutamic acid di-n-butylamide from iso-stearyl alcohol solutions and microgravity experiments for CaCO3 (calcite) nucleation. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.