In-situ crystallisation of sodium sulfate in confinement

Crystallisation in porous media is an important process in many natural systems, including biomineralisation, frost heave and salt weathering. Due to the inherent difficulty to study these processes in-situ, many questions regarding the evolution of crystals within confinement remain. We propose to investigate the crystallisation of sodium sulfate within controlled pore glass rods composed of a network of 7 nm sized pores. Using in-situ X-ray computed tomography and diffraction contrast tomography we will monitor the evolution - polymorphism and morphology - of individual particles over time. Surface chemistry will be altered in order to investigate its role in polymorph selection. Additionally, we will aim to describe the process of material damage due to crystallisation pressure due to growth and polymorph transition. This work will enhance our understanding of crystallisation in confinement and unveil the precursor activity leading to material damage due to crystallisation.