The effect of block copolymers on calcium oxalate crystallization

Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) is recognized as major components of scale formed onthe radiator tubes in many sugar mill. The formation of these compounds during theconcentration of juice reduces the heat transfer coefficient of the evaporator station. Thedeposits are often found to be compact and hard in nature rendering current cleaning methodseither costly and ineffective.The crystallization of sparingly soluble salts is also of primary importance in biologicalsystems. Urolithiasis, the formation of urinary calculi, is one of the oldest documenteddiseases known to men. Calcium oxalates are the main components of pathological deposits inthe urinary tract. The medical community is seeing a renewed interest in the regulation ofthese species.In this study, the effects of block copolymers on the growth mechanism of the calcium oxalatecrystals, which have great importance both in industry and biominerallization have beeninvestigated by using constant and spontaneous crystallization methods. A series of acidicacrylate block copoymers have been made, by radical polymerization, with defined moleculerweight and structure to explore their relative effectiveness in crystal growth and morphologyof calcium oxalate.Keywords: Calcium oxalate, crystallization, radical polymerization, polymeric additives,biomineralization.