Fibrous Growth of NaClO3

Abstract

It has been observed by Kato [J. Phys. Soc. Japan, 1024 (1955)] that fine fibers of NaClO₃ form on moist massive crystals of NaClO₃ which are slowly desiccated. It is proposed that the growth occurs by a uniaxial screw dislocation mechanism in which the material transport occurs by hydrodynamic flow in an adherent film of solution on the fiber surface. The tractive force for film flow is furnished by a gradient in surface tension. The film solution becomes more concentrated during its flow to the fiber tip and the gradient in solute concentration causes a gradient in surface tension. The estimated film thickness is about 100 A. Periodic bends in the fiber can be accounted for by periodic precipitation of a minor impurity with limited solid solubility in NaClO₃.