Ice sticking to the mould problem.

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ciarandunlevy
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of ice sticking to alginate moulds used in an art project. Participants explore potential solutions to prevent the ice from adhering to the moulds during the freezing process, considering various substances that could be applied as a barrier.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about ice sticking to alginate moulds and inquires about possible solutions to create a barrier between the ice and the mould.
  • Another participant suggests using PAM or a similar cooking spray to prevent water absorption by the alginate, which may help the ice release after freezing.
  • A participant reports unsuccessful attempts with cooking oil, noting that it rose to the top of the water and did not solve the problem.
  • Questions are raised about alternative substances that could create a clear mould, indicating a search for different solutions.
  • Suggestions include using Teflon or "Scotch-Gard" as potential coatings for the mould.
  • Another participant proposes WD-40, highlighting its water displacement properties, though expressing uncertainty about its effectiveness.
  • Silicon spray lubricant is also mentioned as a possible option for preventing sticking.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the best solution, with multiple competing suggestions and ongoing experimentation noted throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the proposed solutions, and the discussion reflects a variety of approaches without definitive conclusions on their viability.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in art projects using moulds, particularly those experimenting with freezing techniques and materials that may affect adhesion.

ciarandunlevy
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Hi, having a problem with the ice sticking to the mould. I have to use alginate for the mould and when the water freezes, so does the alginate.The moulds are part of my art project and they take amazing detail. I don't know whether I'm making sense here but is it possible to use something in between them?
 
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Alginate is capable of absorbing water and probably does so until the water freezes. You might want to try coating the inside of the mold with a light coating of PAM or some other cooking spray to see if that will block the absorption of water, so the mold will release after freezing.
 
Cool thanks a million for your time, I will try that one tonight.
 
Still having problems

Well I tried cooking oil, couldn't get a spray and the oil just rose to the top of the water. Is there anything else that might work. I was even thinking is there anything other than water that would create a clear mould?
 
Would Teflon or "Scotch-Gard" work?
 
Try WD-40. I'm not sure that it will work, but it is, after all, a Water Displacement formulation.
 
How about silicon spray lubricant?
 

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