Effect of sodium toluene sulfonate on the nucleation, growth and characterization of DAST single crystals

The metastable zone width and nucleation parameters such as interfacial tension were estimated for pure and sodium p-toluene sulfonate (NaTS)-doped 4-N,N dimethylamino-4'-N-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) single crystals. Pure and additive-doped DAST single crystals were grown by the slow-cooling technique. The grown crystals were morphologically interpreted. The crystalline powders of the grown crystals were examined by X-ray diffraction to estimate the crystal lattice parameter values. From Vicker's microhardness test, the mechanical strength on (001) face of the crystals was found. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.