Scientists Create Ice That Is 10x Stronger Than Normal and Biodegradable

A research group from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has engineered a synthetic ice substance named BioPykrete, which exhibits compressive strength tenfold that of conventional ice. The material also demonstrates energy absorption capacity before collapse that is 70 times greater than standard frozen water.

Composition and molecular structure

The new composite relies on a mixture of water, plant-derived cellulose nanocrystals, and a specifically designed hybrid protein. This protein serves to bind the components together at the molecular level. Within the ice structure, cellulose fibers create a reinforcing network analogous to steel reinforcement in concrete, while the proteins directly attach ice crystals to the cellulose matrix.

This internal architecture inhibits crack propagation, enabling the material to absorb increased energy and deform gradually prior to destruction. Unlike ordinary ice, which shatters suddenly, BioPykrete maintains structural integrity through gradual deformation.

Performance metrics versus historical materials

Laboratory assessments indicate that BioPykrete possesses compressive strength nearly equivalent to conventional concrete. It is also twice as strong as Pykrete, a material created by mixing ice with wood powder during World War II by scientists Geoffrey Pyke and Max Perutz. Professor Ido Braslavsky, who led the team from the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, noted that concrete production remains a major global source of carbon emissions.

Braslavsky highlighted the high cost of transporting construction materials to polar regions. He suggested that alternative materials utilizing water and plant-based resources could provide practical benefits for sustainable construction due to their biodegradable nature.

Potential applications and current status

The study results were published in the scientific journal Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. According to the research team, initial applications may include temporary or seasonal structures in the Arctic and Antarctic, such as ice roads, runways, and research camps. Because these structures consist primarily of water and plant-based materials, they can naturally melt when no longer required, thereby reducing construction waste.

BioPykrete remains in the laboratory phase for research and feasibility testing. Scientists must continue evaluating its long-term durability and resistance to freezing and thawing cycles before considering practical deployment. While the material is expected to be useful in extremely cold climates and for lunar and Martian exploration missions, using it to construct structures on the Moon or Mars is currently a prospect for future research.