Particle coarsening: I. Kinetics for reversible dissolution/deposition controlled process

A model for particle coarsening at finite volume fraction of precipitate based on a reversible dissolution/deposition mechanism is proposed. A particle growth equation whereby the average particle size increases linearly with time is deduced, which is different from that predicted in the classical LSW theory. A new approach for quantitative evaluation of asymptotic behaviors of Ostwald ripening is proposed based on a simple assumption, irrespective of the particle size distribution and the rate-controlling step. In this way, asymptotical equations for ripening controlled by reversible dissolution/deposition and by diffusion have been derived. The particle growth follows the general growth power-law during Ostwald ripening, but the growth exponent is found to be variable, smaller in the earlier stage and larger in the later stage.