Structure and stability factor of aggregated particles in supercooled solution of sodium acetate trihydrate

Abstract Aggregated particles in supercooled solution of sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT) are revealed to consist of crystals of sodium acetate (SA) by X-ray diffraction measurements performed on a premise of non-anisotropy of crystals in the solution. Model calculations of crystal growth of SA suggest that formation and growth of the clusters reduce the amount of water required for hydration of the clusters. We conclude that the hydration number of each solute is a dominant factor for stability of supercooled aqueous SAT solution. We revise the phase diagram for aqueous SAT solution according to the results.