What is the difference between aggregation, nucleation and growth?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the differences between aggregation, nucleation, and growth in the context of crystal formation. Aggregation refers to the process where two or more particles stick together, while nucleation signifies the initiation of crystal formation from a state of 'zero'. Growth describes the increase in size from a non-zero state to a larger form. Additionally, coalescence is mentioned as a softer process that can occur in the liquid phase or during the early solid phase of crystal formation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of crystal formation processes
  • Familiarity with the concepts of aggregation and nucleation
  • Knowledge of crystal growth mechanisms
  • Basic principles of phase transitions in materials science
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of crystal nucleation in detail
  • Study the mechanisms of crystal growth in various materials
  • Explore the concept of coalescence in crystal formation
  • Investigate the differences between aggregation and coalescence in material science
USEFUL FOR

Materials scientists, crystallographers, and students studying solid-state physics or chemistry will benefit from this discussion.

Sciencestd
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Im bit confused about what is exactly the difference between the terms, which process every term describes ?
 
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aggregation: two or more stick together
nucleation: a start from 'zero'
growth: from non-zero to a little more

We are talking crystals here, I hope ? (i.e. nothing biological :wink: )
 
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BvU said:
aggregation: two or more stick together
nucleation: a start from 'zero'
growth: from non-zero to a little more

We are talking crystals here, I hope ? (i.e. nothing biological :wink: )
Thank you so much for the answer :) , yes I'm talking about crystals and nothing biological :D
Then the coalescence which process it describes?
 
A further question ! My answer: don't really know. Didn't encounter it so far. Googled 'crystal coalescence and aggregation' and get the impression coalescence is softer (either it happens in the liquid phase, or comes down to a near perfect match in the early solid phase -- but I speculate)

https://arxiv.org/pdf/1909.00771.pdf
 
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BvU said:
A further question ! My answer: don't really know. Didn't encounter it so far. Googled 'crystal coalescence and aggregation' and get the impression coalescence is softer (either it happens in the liquid phase, or comes down to a near perfect match in the early solid phase -- but I speculate)

https://arxiv.org/pdf/1909.00771.pdf

The link is really useful thank you :)
 

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