STEAM CONNECTIONS
The experiments and research done to create a freezable pack that can freeze to different temperatures and flexibilities.
Recipe:
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I used water gel beads as the filler for the ice packs. As the ice packs defrost the beads will reabsorb the liquid which helps to keep the packs their temperature. water gel beads to be the filler. Without it, it would look something like this. This was the best material not only to cover the most surface area I use
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I soaked the beads in 1 cup of water that was fully absorbed. Each pack has ½ a cup of beads. -
Water will freeze at a much higher temperature than isopropyl, so the alcohol in a way prohibits the freezing process. To create a range in temperature and flexibility, I used 70% isopropyl alcohol and salt. Keep in mind the standard freezer reaches -18 celsius. Isopropyl does not freeze fast. -
Salt molecules block water molecules from coming together when the temperature is lowered. It then prevents them from becoming ice. -
So starting with Blue, the coldest, I only use 3 tsp of 70% isopropyl alcohol and ¼ cup of water. That's why it is the firmest and coldest. -
The Purple pack uses 5 tsp of 70% isopropyl alcohol and ¼ cup of water. Purple packs produce ice crystals. -
The Green pack uses 6 tsp of 70% isopropyl alcohol plus 1 tsp of table salt. Green is the most liquid consistency.
The design process of the product. Specifically for the fabric of the sleeve pouch and beads of the ice packs.
The trials of different materials and assembling of the product. Ice To Heal has been designed to wrap around the circumference of an average man's thigh.
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The colors are used to symbolize the packs' different temperatures. As well as the color of fabric used for the Packs.
Green= Lowest Temperature
Purple=Medium Temperature
Blue=Coldest Temperature
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As of now, the sleeve for the ice packs is in black fabric. Ideally, the sleeve would be interchangeable like the ice packs, by that I mean different colors and prints. Someone in the office may want a sleeve that is matched to their skin tone so it is not as noticeable, while a 2nd grader may want graphics like dinosaurs and other animals to show off to their friends.
The measurements of liquids and materials needed to create the Ice Packs. Conversion of units was also done for the size matching from inches to centimeters for more accuracy.