Engineering Crystallography: From Molecule to Crystal to Functional Form

Book excerpt: This book highlights the current state-of-the-art regarding the application of applied crystallographic methodologies for understanding, predicting and controlling the transformation from the molecular to crystalline state with the latter exhibiting pre-defined properties. This philosophy is built around the fundamental principles underpinning the three inter-connected themes of Form (what), Formation (how) and Function (why). Topics covered include: molecular and crystal structure, chirality and ferromagnetism, supramolecular assembly, defects and reactivity, morphology and surface energetics. Approaches for preparing crystals and nano-crystals with novel physical, chemical and mechanical properties include: crystallisation, seeding, phase diagrams, polymorphic control, chiral separation, ultrasonic techniques and mechano-chemistry. The vision is realised through examination of a range of advanced analytical characterisation techniques including in-situ studies. The work is underpinned through an unprecedented structural perspective of molecular features, solid-state packing arrangements and surface energetics as well as in-situ studies. This work will be of interest to researchers, industrialists, intellectual property specialists and policy makers interested in the latest developments in the design and supply of advanced high added-value organic solid-form materials and product composites.