SeedingPartikeln

SeedingPartikeln is a term used across disciplines to describe small particles intentionally introduced into a system to initiate, stabilize, or guide a process such as nucleation, growth, or dispersion. They function as nuclei or reference points that influence subsequent material evolution and response to external conditions.

In materials science and nanotechnology, seeding particles serve as nucleation sites that determine the size, shape, and crystalline phase of the resulting material. Common seed materials include silica, gold, silver, and various polymers, often with surface functionalization to promote adhesion or direct growth. By controlling seed concentration, size, and surface chemistry, researchers can tailor nanoparticle synthesis, crystallization pathways, and the formation of core–shell or multi-layered structures.

In atmospheric science, seeding particles are aerosols introduced to influence condensation, ice formation, or cloud microphysics. As cloud condensation nuclei or ice nuclei, such particles affect droplet formation, supersaturation thresholds, and ultimately cloud properties and precipitation patterns. The concept is distinct from weather modification in practical application but shares the underlying idea of seeding a process with nuclei.

In computational and experimental modeling, seeding particles initialize distributions, perturbations, or boundary conditions. In simulations such as smoothed particle hydrodynamics or agent-based models, seeds help achieve reproducibility and controlled exploration of parameter space.

Key considerations include material choice, particle size, surface chemistry, dispersion stability, and concentration, as well as measurement and safety implications. Common characterization methods are transmission and scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and small-angle scattering.

See also: seed-mediated growth, nucleation, cloud seeding, aerosols, seed crystal.