Theory of long induction periods

Current theories relating induction periods in crystallization to either stationary nucleation rate or relaxation time of embryo distribution are of limited validity. The Zeldovich-Frenkel theory overestimates the growth rate of postcritical embryos with high surface energy. Growth of embryos by surface nucleation accounts well for some cases of long induction periods, structural anomalies of nuclei accounts for others. Finally, slow chemical reactions in solution or in the adlayer may retard crystallization.