Can You Create an "Antifreeze" out of Frost Hardy Plants?

Overview

Objectives/Goals The object of this experiment is to determine if an #antifreeze# can be created out of frost hardy plants by grinding them and extracting juice. Methods/Materials A container of two tablespoons of plain water was put in the freezer. It was observed every five minutes for the formation of ice crystals. Results were recorded. Then juices were extracted from bok choi, spinach, broccoli and kale. Each sample mixture was prepared by adding one tablespoon of water to an equal amount of plant extract. Mixtures were placed in the freezer and checked every five minutes for the formation of ice crystals. Results were recorded and compared. Results Some of the plants that resisted freezing for a longer amount of time included: kale, bok choi and spinach. While water took ten minutes to show signs of ice crystals, kale took twice as long. Spinach and bok choi both added five minutes to the freezing time of water. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion is that some non-toxic plants can increase the freezing time of water. Plant extracts may provide an environmentally friendly alternative to modern antifreeze.

Competition history

• CSEF 2005 Environmental Engineering · Entry J0809

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