THE INFLUENCE OF MICROGRAVITY ON ZEOLITE CRYSTALLIZATION

Hydrothermal crystallization experiments carried out in the microgravi ty environment of an unmanned satellite have evidenced some effects of the mass-transfer rates on zeolite formation. Lower crystal growth ra tes have been observed, confirming the possibilities of low-gravity op erations in the preparation of enhanced crystalline materials. Nucleat ion boost in convection-rid systems prevented the formation of larger crystals in microgravity conditions.