What is Plastic Ice? Why is it Called Plastic Ice? Know Here!

All familiar with the substance water continues to take various forms in scientists under extreme conditions. One fascinating form is the Plastic ICE VII, a rare water phase, confirmed recently by researchers led by Livia Bove of Sorbonne University. This discovery enhances our understanding of the behavior of water in extreme planetary environments.

What makes Plastic Ice VII unique?

In contrast to conventional ice with rigid and fixed molecular structures, plastic ice VII has a special feature: its water molecules can rotate freely while still having a solid structure. This unusual feature sets it apart and gets the “plastic” label. “Plastic” is used to describe the ability of ice because of its molecules’ free rotation, shape and shape changes when subjected to pressure.

Scientists first predicted the existence of Plastic Ice VII in 2008. Today, new neutron scattering experiments have been proven to exist. Plastic Ice VII appears in harsh conditions and requires a pressure of more than three gigapascals (GPA), about 30,000 times the pressure of Earth’s atmospheric atmosphere. In addition, for the presence of plastic ICE VII, it must be temperatures above 450 kelvin (177°C).

How was Plastic Ice VII discovered?

Only advanced methods such as neutral scattering and diamond-Yangwei out cells can achieve a revolutionary breakthrough in Plastic Ice VII. These methods are used to study tiny ice samples at atomic level. By analyzing the molecular movement inside the ice structure, they concluded that although the ice is still solid, the molecules inside move freely in a determined direction. This observation validates the existence of plastic ice VII and provides important insights into its abnormal characteristics.

The meaning of discovery

The identification of plastic ice VII has had a great impact on our understanding of water throughout the universe. Ice VII is another extreme form of water that has been found on moons of Jupiter and Saturn, such as Ganymede and Titan. The existence of plastic ice VII shows that water properties in space are more complex than the variable and complexity currently assumed.

In addition, this discovery can also enhance the attempts to explore planets. By gaining a deeper understanding of the characteristics and actions of plastic ICE VII, researchers can create new technologies and materials that can sustain harsh conditions. These developments may be very beneficial for upcoming space missions and other forms of celestial exploration.