Strength properties and structure of ice materials modified with polyvinyl alcohol

DOI: 10.17586/1606-4313-2025-24-4-81-90
UDC 621.584+625.75

Strength properties and structure of ice materials modified with polyvinyl alcohol

Goncharova G.Yu., Turalin Denis O., Borschev G.V., Borzov S.S.

For citation: Goncharova G.Yu., Turalin D.O., Borshchev G.V., Borzov S.S. Strength properties and structure of ice materials modified with polyvinyl alcohol. Journal of International Academy of Refrigeration. 2025. No 4. p. 81-90. DOI: 10.17586/1606-4313-2025-24-4-81-90 (in Russian)

Abstract
The mechanical properties of ice materials with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) across a wide range of mass concentrations (from 0.001 to 3.0 %) were investigated. The dependence of flexural strength on PVA concentration in the freezing solution was established. Concentration ranges exhibiting different rates of strength increase with rising PVA content were identified, and approximation functions were developed for predictive purposes. Microscopic analysis of sublimated ice samples with PVA addition revealed patterns in the formation of reinforcing polymer structures within the ice matrix. The relationship between the characteristics of the formed polymer scaffold and the mechanical properties of the ice composite was demonstrated for various PVA concentration ranges. The strengthening effect of trace concentrations of PVA was discovered, showing that even at 10 ppm (0,001 %) an ordered supramolecular structure forms, significantly enhancing the ice matrix's strength (up to 2 times). The feasibility of using substantially lower PVA concentrations compared to known formulations for producing reinforced ice was justified for creating extended ice structures for seasonal road infrastructure in the Arctic zone of Russia.

Keywords: ice, strength characteristics, modification, ice crossings, winter roads, polyvinyl alcohol, ice composites, arctic materials.