Study of the synthesis and crystallization kinetics of magnesium hydroxide

Abstract

The crystallization kinetics of magnesium hydroxide in low concentration solutions has been studied using an electrical conductivity method. Using various experimental relationships, several kinetic factors could be determined during the nucleation and growth process. From measurements of ion concentrations at various temperatures, the induction period of nucleation could be determined. As concentration and temperature increase, the crystallization rate increases affecting the nucleation and crystal growth of Mg(OH)2. The crystal-solution interfacial surface tension was also calculated and shown to be affected by the magnesium anion source. The results show that a uniform particle size distribution of nuclei is formed during the initial homogeneous nucleation process and the nucleation and crystal growth rates can be represented by a first order reaction equation. Through the study of crystallization kinetics, a control strategy is proposed to synthesize a uniform particle size distribution of magnesium hydroxide.