The difficulties of crystallization of sodium chloride (NaCl): a research project integrating the Science curriculum in ESO and Baccalaureate

Abstract

We study the initial growth rate in marine salt crystals which have been formed by solvent evaporation from its own saturated solution. We show the different crystallization process depending on the season in which we carry out this process. At the beginning of the summer, the growth rate is significantly higher if we compare it to the one obtained in early autumn. In addition, the crystallization of NaCl is not possible in mid-autumn. These results suggest further research in order to optimize the end of the crystallization period and the beginning of the extraction period of salt crystals.