GMU:BioArt WS15/Iremnur Tokac

Crystallization Morphology affected by Space

The Concept

This project is an attempt to explore the crystallization process of MgSO4 and discuss whether it is affected by physical environment or not in terms of 3D geometries. The main concern of the project is to examine ways to manipulate the structure of output pattern of crystallization. Previous studies hinted that crystallization morphology differs based on the distinct height of the solution in identical containers. Therefore, the idea of testing different geometrical shapes as containers and observing the variety of crystallization outcomes as a project was occurred. The overall concept is to analyze complex structures like crystals by intervening the formalization process and evaluate the outcomes in comparison. After several experiments, we might able to unveil some computational system behind the crystal growth morphology.

First Experiments

an illustration of the experiment medium

The chart of first experiments

Solutions with different type and amount of components were experimented and distinct crystallization morphologies were observed. According to the results, crystallization morphology was affected by the height of the solution, which contains water and MgSO4, in identical petri dishes. If ”h” increases, the bigger, rectangular prism shaped crystals appear. On the other hand, if “h” decreases, relatively a thin and linear crystal network occurs.

Preperation For Further Experiments

Working environment

Same amount of MgSO4 and water was measured and used in every experiment. Therefore, it is assumed that the different crystallization patterns would formed based on different shapes of containers. However, it should be noted that those experiments were not held in a very well controlled LAB environment, so the results might have been affected by other unknown factors as well.

Preparing Petri Dishes| Additional Surface in Petri Dishes

Further experiments were set up in order to explore morphological differences in crystallization regarding container shape. Therefore, transparent films were placed in petri dishes to create edges with different angles.

Experiment Series

Parallel surfaces with different distance

90 degree edges and circular surfaces

<90 degree edges and circular surfaces

(d) <90 degree, >90 degree edges and circular surfaces

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