CTS-0081159 R. Rajagopalan, University of Florida
The processes of nucleation and crystallization are important in a number of industrial applications, including molecular self-assembly and synthesis of nanocrystalline materials where the role of long range forces between atoms and molecules dominates the evolution of the crystal structure. The PI proposes to study, experimentally and theoretically, the crystallization of charged ("soft") colloids. The role of long range molecular forces within the parametric range of colloids will be investigated using tested measurement techniques (such as optical, neutron and X-Rays) and classical constitutive models as applicable.
The PI selected the nature of the colloid (e.g. monodisperse latex particles), its geometry, composition and suitability to the available beam techniques ("reciprocal-space"). An important section is devoted to data analysis and theoretical examination. Such questions as the relative role of equilibrium thermodynamics and crystallization kinetics, crystal/liquid interface interaction, will be researched.
