Posted September 20, 2018 09:12:42In the years since the invention of the blender, there’s been a lot of research on how to create a more durable, non-toxic ice-resistant coating.
In particular, some have looked at how to use a thin layer of a substance known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on the bottom of the container to make it more resistant to cracking, cracking, and other chemicals.
A recent study, however, suggests that this method of making ice-recovery coating might not be as useful as it seems.
The researchers used an “electrical-conductive ice” (ESI) as a “material” for their ice-repair method, according to a report in the Journal of Applied Chemistry.
“The ESI was applied by the researchers to a container filled with polyvinylene chloride (PMVC) containing a layer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a layer containing an aerosol layer containing 2.3% poly(vinyl alcohol),” the researchers wrote.
“When the polyvinene glycerin and the aerosol mixture was heated, it formed a thin film of the PEG-polyethylene oxide on the surface of the water-filled container.”
The researchers found that the ice-resistance layer actually “became less effective when heated,” but that it was still able to “reduce the crack rate.”
“The ice-free layer remained effective at reducing crack rates and increasing crack resistance,” the report stated.
So what is the point of the study?
The researchers used “a water-repellent, nonporous material” as the ice treatment, which means that it’s a “nonporous coating,” so the water could be “repellant” to the glass.
This would make it “easier for the aerosols to evaporate,” the study noted.
While this is certainly useful for reducing the crack rates of a glass or a pipe, the researchers also stated that “the PEG, the aerosolic material used for the ice, may have a higher permeability than the PVA.”
The report concluded that “it is not clear whether these properties would apply to the PVP in general, since PVP has been used for decades and PVP is an active component of glass.”
As you can see, this study is a bit of a mixed bag.
It’s true that some researchers have looked to use the ESI to create an ice-retardant coating for a number of things, including making an ice pack, but that’s not the same as making ice in a “queen’s dress.”
The researchers did say that “this work may also be applicable to the use of the ESIs in aqueous solutions of other materials, including those made of polyvinole and polyacrylate, and to the production of a nonporously-exposed surface layer on a glass surface.”
So, the next time you’re on the market for a water-resistant, nonpolarized, nonstick coating for your kitchen countertop, think twice before you buy the ESi, or go looking for a “less expensive” version.
