I was wondering, since water is often used in a crystallization process, this can also be done if the product to be crystallized cannot absorb water (such as maltitol).
Asker: Melissa, 17 years old
Answer
Strictly speaking, you do not need water to achieve a crystal structure. Many materials take on a crystal structure as they cool from the liquid phase to the solid phase. The molecules must remain sufficiently mobile (that’s where the water helps!) to be able to form a crystal structure. With some substances the viscosity increases to such an extent on cooling that the molecules cannot form a crystal lattice. This is called a glass phase.
Answered by
Prof Walter Lauriks
Physics Acoustics
Catholic University of Leuven
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/
.