The Diffusion Coefficient Controlling Crystal Growth In A Silicate Glass-Former

One of the most relevant open issues in glass science refers to our ignorance concerning the nature of the diffusing entities that control crystal nucleation and growth in non-crystalline materials. This information is very relevant because all the existing nucleation and growth equations account for the diffusion coefficient (Du) of these unknown entities. This article measured the shear viscosity (n) and the crystal growth rates of a supercooled diopside liquid (CaMgSi2O6) in a wide temperature range. The well-known decoupling of viscosity and crystal growth rates at deep supercoolings was detected.