Autodeformation bending of gypsum crystals grown under the conditions of counterdiffusion

The dynamics and kinetics of growth-induced bending of gypsum crystals grow n from solution have been studied. Crystallization was performed by the met hod of chemical reaction under the conditions of component counterdiffusion . It is established that autodeformation bending occurs in the [001] direct ion at the growth front and is caused by cationic impurities. The crystal c urvature depends on the anisotropy of growth rate and increases at lower su persaturations. The mechanism of growth-induced crystal bending is suggeste d which takes into account the heterometry stresses providing the appearanc e of a bending moment at the growth front. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiod ica".