Coloring and habit modification of dyed KDP crystals as functions of supersaturation and dye concentration

Azo-organic dyes as additives were examined to make colored KDP (potassium dihydrogen phosphate) crystals. The dyes used here were amaranth and sunset-yellow FCF. Influences of supersaturation and dye concentration in the solution were observed on the color and crystal habit of KDP. Amaranth colored the pyramidal section (10 1) of the crystals in the solution at low supersaturation and high dye concentration. The highly supersaturated solutions produced entirely colored crystals. The crystal habit did not significantly change in the amaranth solution. Sunset-yellow FCF had a significant effect on the crystal habit and color of KDP, and the prismatic section of the crystals was decreased. Sunset-yellow FCF colored the whole KDP crystals in the solution at high dye concentration. The habit index of KDP crystal, which is the ratio of the pyramidal size to prismatic size, was discussed as a function of dye concentration and supersaturation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.