Ice Crystal Replication with Common Plastic Solutions

Abstract

Use of common plastics, i.e., polystyrene, Plexiglas (polymethyl methacrylate) and Lexan (polycarbonate), was investigated for ice crystal replication. The results suggest that all common plastics tested are usable for ice crystal replication with proper combinations of solvents. These solutions seldom get murky due to dissolved water as opposed to the Formvar solution. The combinations of Plexiglas and ethylene dichloride or trichloroethylene, and of polystyrene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane or carbon tetrachloride are advantageous over other solutions tested. The vapor method using the plastic and solvent combinations tested is found, in general, not suitable for replicating detailed surface structures of minute ice crystals.