Jelly Ice that Never Melts Invented
Imagine a world where ice never melts, and you can use it multiple times without having to worry about it becoming water. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, that’s exactly what University of California, Davis scientists have achieved. They have developed a reusable “jelly ice” that cools like regular ice but never melts into water. This innovative material is made from a gel-based substance that can be washed, cut into shapes, and reused up to a dozen times.
The jelly ice, also known as “reusable thermal insulation,” has several advantages over traditional ice. For one, it’s up to 80% as efficient as regular ice, which means it can keep things cool for a long time without losing its effectiveness. Additionally, it’s a food-safe alternative for shipping and storage, making it a game-changer for the food industry.
The development of jelly ice is a significant breakthrough in the field of thermal insulation. Traditional ice has its limitations. It melts quickly, which can lead to temperature fluctuations and spoilage of perishable goods. Moreover, it can be a logistical nightmare to transport and store, as it requires specialized equipment and handling.
The University of California, Davis team, led by Dr. Yueming Li, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has been working on this project for several years. They used a combination of materials science and engineering techniques to create the jelly ice.
According to Dr. Li, “The key challenge was to develop a material that could maintain a consistent temperature without melting. We experimented with various gel-based materials and eventually found the right combination that worked.”
The jelly ice is made from a proprietary gel-based material that is designed to absorb and release heat slowly. This allows it to maintain a consistent temperature, even in extreme conditions. The material is also non-toxic and food-safe, making it suitable for use in the food industry.
The potential applications of jelly ice are vast. It can be used to keep perishable goods cool during transportation and storage, reducing the risk of spoilage and food waste. It can also be used in packaging and shipping, reducing the need for refrigeration and insulation.
In addition to its practical applications, the jelly ice has significant environmental benefits. It reduces the need for refrigeration, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It also reduces the amount of water and energy required for traditional ice production.
The University of California, Davis team is already exploring ways to commercialize the jelly ice. They are working with industry partners to develop scalable manufacturing processes and are testing the material in real-world applications.
While the jelly ice is not yet widely available, it’s an exciting development that has the potential to revolutionize the way we keep things cool. With its efficiency, versatility, and environmental benefits, it’s no wonder that scientists are calling it a “game-changer” in the field of thermal insulation.
Source:
https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/news/reusable-jelly-ice-keeps-things-cold-without-meltwater
