A What is the difference between aggregation, nucleation and growth?

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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 is the initiation of crystal formation from a state of 'zero.' Growth involves the increase in size of existing crystals from a non-zero state. Coalescence is mentioned as a softer process that may occur in the liquid phase or during early solid formation, though its exact definition remains unclear to participants. The conversation emphasizes a focus on crystallization rather than biological processes.
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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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