Citation:Ungar, G., Mandal, P.K., Higgs, P.G., de Silva, D.S.M., Boda, E. and Chen, C.M. 2000. Dilution wave and negative-order crystallization kinetics of chain molecules. Physical Review Letters 85, 4397-4400.
Date:2000
Abstract:
We show that the crystal growth rate of a very long-chain n-alkane C198H398 from solution can decrease
with increasing supersaturation and follow strongly negative order kinetics. The experimental behavior
can be well represented by a theoretical model which allows the molecule to attach and detach as either
extended or folded in two. The obstruction of extended-chain growth by unstable folded depositions
increases disproportionately with increasing concentration. As a consequence of this abnormal kinetics,
a “dilution wave” can propagate and trigger a folded-to-extended-chain transformation on its way.
