Physical and mechanical properties of composite materials on the basis of an ice matrix

Abstract

The technique for the preparation of composite materials in which ice serves as the matrix and polymer fillers (the reinforcement) with various chemical compositions and morphologies and chemical ice modifiers serve as the tool for affecting its structure and properties is proposed in this work. The physical and mechanical properties of the composites (bending strength) are studied, and the character of the effect of two-dimensional and three-dimensional polymer networks, their amount, assembling, and concentration of modifiers are revealed. Also, the simultaneous action of polymer fillers and modifiers is considered. It is shown that the proposed technique makes it possible to control the physical and mechanical properties of composites on the basis of ice and create substantially stronger materials when compared to natural ice.