ABSTRACT

Sucrose crystal growth rate is a subject which attracted the interest of researchers both for its theoretical and practical importance. It is generally admitted that two major steps govern this process: the diffusion of sucrose from the bulk solution to crystal/solution interface on the one hand and the incorporation of sucrose molecules in the crystal after release of hydration water on the other. The second step seems the most critical as it necessitates disassociation of hydration water molecules and their diffusion in the bulk solution.

Hydrophilic impurities like oligo- and polysaccharides, because of their affinity for water and for sucrose itself, exert a major effect on the shape and rate of growth of sucrose crystals.

Experimental results are reported to show the specific effect of some selected impurities on the shape and rate of growth of sucrose crystals. Likewise, the role of  water on crystallization rate is discussed.