Theoretical problems in the crystallization of hard sphere colloidal particles

In this paper we demonstrate the utility of density functional theories in providing unified descriptions of two problems associated with colloidal crystallization. The first problem involves crystallization in a fixed volume. The result is a time dependent pressure and, hence, density. This process is further complicated during growth by the presence of a depletion zone in advance of the growing crystal that provides for some mechanical isolation of the crystal. The second problem concerns the effect of multiple possible slacking sites on crystallization kinetics.