Abstract:
The morphology of beta-2 n.n.n triacylglycerol crystals is predicted using a revised interpretation of the Hartman-Perdok theory. This modification takes into account the step free energy and therefore the growth conditions and therefore leads to a better understanding of the observed morphology. For long chain molecules, the three-dimensional morphology is also reflected in the anisotropic step patterns on the basal crystal plane. The patterns observed on these faces using Atomic Force Microscopy can also be understood from this revised interpretation of the Hartman-Perdok theory.