The effect of ultrasonic waves on the nucleation of pure water and degassed water

In order to clarify the mechanism of nucleation of ice induced by ultrasound, ultrasonic waves have been applied to supercooled pure water and degassed water, respectively. For each experiment, water sample is cooled at a constant cooling rate of 0.15 °C/min and the ultrasonic waves are applied from the water temperature of 0 °C until the water in a sample vessel nucleates. This nucleation temperature is measured. The use of ultrasound increased the nucleation temperature of both degassed water and pure water. However, the undercooling temperature for pure water to nucleate is less than that of degassed water. It is concluded that cavitation and fluctuations of density, energy and temperature induced by ultrasound are factors that affect the nucleation of water. Cavitation is a major factor for sonocrystallisation of ice.

► Ultrasound can slightly increase nucleation temperature of degassed water.
► Nucleation of sonicated degassed water emerged from the bottom of the tube.
► Ultrasound treated pure water requires much less undercooling for nucleation to occur.
► Nucleation of sonicated pure water emerged at a distance from the wall of the tube.